At the recent G7 Summit, former US President Donald Trump set the tone by openly criticizing the group’s decision to exclude Russia and publicly dismissing Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney’s economic proposals, according to a post by Marc Nixon on X.
Trump stated that removing Russia from the G7 (formerly G8) was a “very big mistake,” claiming it made global affairs more complicated and that Russian President Vladimir Putin was “very insulted” by the decision.
“The G7 used to be the G8. Barack Obama and a person named Trudeau didn’t want to have Russia in, and I would say that that was a mistake, because I think you wouldn’t have a war right now if you had Russia in, and you wouldn’t have a war right now if Trump were President four years ago, but it didn’t work out that way,” Trump said while standing next to Carney.
He elaborated on the issue, saying, “They threw Russia out, which I claimed was a very big mistake, even though I wasn’t in politics then. I was very loud about it. It was a mistake in that you spend so much time talking about Russia, and he’s no longer at the table, so it makes life more complicated.”
Trump asserted that “Russia should never have been kicked out of G7” and dismissed Carney’s proposals on trade by saying “they’re good” but quickly adding “mine are better,” concluding with, “we’ll see what we can do.”
The comments led to awkward moments for Prime Minister Mark Carney, whose government has voiced concerns over Trump’s pro-Russia stance. Discussing Russia’s place at the table, Trump remarked, “I’m not saying he should at this point, because too much water has gone over the dam, maybe. But it was a big mistake. Obama didn’t want him, and the head of your country, the proud head of your country didn’t want him.”
Trump continued, “This was a big mistake. You wouldn’t have that war. You know, you have your enemy at the table. I don’t even consider him, he wasn’t really an enemy at that time. There was no concept. If I were president, this war would have never happened.”
Reinforcing his belief, Trump said, “But likewise, if he were a member of what was called the G8 at that time, it was always the G8, you wouldn’t have a war right now.”
On Putin’s reaction to being removed from the G8, Trump commented, “Because he was very insulted when he got thrown out of the G8, as I would be, as you would be, as anybody would be. He was very insulted. And, I mean, he was thrown out by Trudeau, who convinced one or two people, along with Obama. He was thrown out. And he’s not a happy person about it, I can tell you that. He doesn’t even speak to the people that threw him out. And I agree with him.”
Trump mistakenly blamed Trudeau for the 2014 decision to expel Russia, even though Trudeau was not prime minister at the time. In reality, then-Prime Minister Stephen Harper’s government led the move to suspend Russia following its annexation of Crimea.
Throughout Trump’s statements, Carney stood by silently as reporters raised questions. Trump repeated his longstanding support for Russia’s re-entry into the G7, despite opposition from other world leaders.
Turning to trade and economic issues, Trump stated, “I appreciate it, and we’ve developed a very good relationship, and we’re going to be talking about trade and many other things, and we have a whole group of people, some traders and some other people. I see my top economy people, but we have a very talented group of people, and you do too, and I know they’ve worked together very well. I look forward to that.”
He added, “And other than that, I think we’re going to accomplish a lot, and I expect to. And I think our primary focus will be trade and trade with Canada, and I’m sure we can work something out.”
Carney has shown interest in resolving trade disputes and securing the removal of Trump’s tariffs on Canadian steel, aluminum, and automobiles. Trump’s 25% tariffs on Canadian metal exports had sparked retaliation from Ottawa.
Comparing trade strategies, Trump said, “It’s not so much holding up. I think we have different concepts. I have a tariff concept. Mark has a different concept, which is something that some people like. But we are going to see if we can get to the bottom of it today.”
Trump emphasized, “I’m a tariff person. I’ve always been a tariff. It’s simple, it’s easy, it’s precise, and it just goes very quickly. And I think Mark has a more complex idea, but also very good. So we’re going to look at both, and we’re going to see what we’re going to come out with something, hopefully.” When asked about the possibility of reaching a deal, he replied, “Yeah, it’s achievable. Both parties have to agree, yeah, sure.”
Shifting focus to Middle East tensions, Trump addressed Iran’s position: “They’d like to talk, but they should have done that before. I had 60 days, and they had 60 days, and on the 61st day I said, we don’t have a deal. They have to make a deal. And it’s painful for both parties, but I’d say Iran is not winning this war.”
He cautioned, “And they should talk, and they should talk immediately before it’s too late.”
On Israel, Trump declared, “We’ve always supported Israel. We have for a long period of time, strongly. And Israel is doing very well right now.”
Discussing potential expansion of the G7, Trump suggested China could join: “Why not have China at the G8? Why not have China here, the biggest economy in the world, after the United States? Well, it’s not a bad idea. I don’t mind that.”
He added, “If somebody wants to suggest China coming in, I think we suggest. But you want to have people that you can talk to, you know. They don’t talk to you.”
The summit underscored growing frustration among US allies regarding Trump’s unpredictable diplomatic style. European officials have expressed unease about his influence over US foreign policy, particularly on trade and relations with Russia.
The G7 (Group of Seven) includes the world’s most developed economies: the US, UK, France, Germany, Italy, Canada, and Japan. The European Union also participates. These annual summits focus on global economic and political challenges ranging from trade to environmental policy.
Since its creation in 1975, hosting duties have rotated among members. This marks Canada’s seventh time hosting the event.