Jeffrey Mothuloe expresses dismay at Francois Theron’s commentary regarding South Africa’s stance at the G20 (“Pretoria’s G20 refusal may ‍have done irreparable damage to⁣ US ties”, November 23).

Mothuloe argues that the tariffs imposed‌ by former President donald Trump⁣ contradict the principles of free trade and undermine the objectives of international financial institutions⁤ like the International Monetary Fund (IMF), the World⁣ Bank, and the World Trade Association (WTO).

He notes a correlation⁢ between​ recent Republican Party losses in‌ the US gubernatorial elections in⁣ New Jersey and Virginia⁢ and Trump’s subsequent reduction of ⁤some tariffs. These election results, held on⁤ November 7, 2023, saw Democratic victories in both states, signaling voter⁢ dissatisfaction according to NBC News.

Mothuloe contends ‍that Trump’s foreign policy has damaged the United States’ reputation as a leader among democratic nations.