Former US President Donald Trump sparked an awkward moment at the G7 Summit by openly criticizing Russia’s removal from the group—while standing beside Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney.
Speaking during a press conference, Trump revisited his long-held view that expelling Russia from the then-G8 in 2014 was a “very big mistake.” He directly blamed former US President Barack Obama and “a person named Trudeau” for pushing Russia out, stating the decision “insulted” Russian President Vladimir Putin and “complicated” international diplomacy.
Carney—who was present during Trump’s remarks—stood by silently as Trump made the comments. Notably, Carney’s predecessor, Justin Trudeau, whom Trump accused, was not in office at the time of Russia’s expulsion; it was then-Prime Minister Stephen Harper who led Canada during the 2014 Crimea crisis that prompted the suspension.
Trump insisted that had Russia remained a member of the group, and had he been President, the ongoing war involving Russia might have been avoided. “You have your enemy at the table… If I were president, this war would have never happened,” he said.
The former president also dismissed Carney’s policy proposals as “good,” but added, “mine are better.” Trump reiterated his “tariff-first” approach to trade, clashing with Canada’s push for a more cooperative model. “I’m a tariff person… it’s simple, it’s easy, it’s precise,” he said, acknowledging that Carney had “a more complex idea.”
The press conference highlighted tensions between Trump and America’s northern ally, especially over trade and tariffs. Trump imposed 25% tariffs on Canadian steel and aluminum during his presidency, a move that triggered retaliatory actions from Canada and strained bilateral ties.
Trump also turned to foreign affairs, particularly the Middle East, saying Iran “should talk immediately before it’s too late,” and reaffirmed American support for Israel.
He also floated the idea of inviting China into the G7, questioning why the world’s second-largest economy isn’t already part of the group.
The G7, composed of the US, Canada, UK, France, Germany, Italy, and Japan, along with the EU, is an informal bloc of major industrial democracies that meet annually to discuss key global issues. Russia was suspended in 2014 following its annexation of Crimea.
This year’s summit marked Canada’s seventh time as host. While it aimed to foster consensus on pressing geopolitical challenges, Trump’s presence once again underscored divisions—both in history and in approach.