U.S. President Donald Trump abruptly departed the G7 summit in Canada on Monday, citing escalating tensions in the Middle East. His early exit has sparked confusion and controversy, particularly following remarks by French President Emmanuel Macron suggesting Trump was involved in brokering a ceasefire between Israel and Iran — a claim the U.S. president flatly denied.
“Wrong! He has no idea why I am now on my way to Washington, but it certainly has nothing to do with a Cease Fire. Much bigger than that,” Trump posted on Truth Social while en route to Washington, rejecting Macron’s assertions.
Italy’s Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, French President Emmanuel Macron, Canada’s Prime Minister Mark Carney and U.S. President Donald Trump pose for a family photo during the G7 Summit in Kananaskis, Alberta, Canada, June 16, 2025. REUTERS/Amber Bracken
Conflicting Messages on Ceasefire Proposal
Earlier in the day, Macron had told reporters, “There is indeed an offer to meet and exchange. An offer was made especially to get a ceasefire and to then kick-start broader discussions.” He described Trump’s early departure as potentially helpful to the cause.
However, Trump dismissed Macron’s statement as inaccurate and labeled the French president a “publicity seeking” leader. “Whether purposely or not, Emmanuel always gets it wrong,” Trump wrote.
The French embassy in Washington offered no immediate comment on the disagreement.
Canada’s Prime Minister Mark Carney and U.S. President Donald Trump leave after a family photo session during the G7 Summit, in Kananaskis, Alberta, Canada, June 16, 2025. REUTERS/Suzanne Plunkett/Pool
G7 Split on Israel-Iran Conflict
The summit, held in the Rocky Mountain resort town of Kananaskis, had already been overshadowed by geopolitical rifts, especially over the Israel-Iran conflict and the war in Ukraine. The recent flare-up between Israel and Iran — triggered by Israeli air strikes on Friday — has left over 220 people dead in Iran and at least 24 civilians killed in Israel, according to respective official reports.
In a joint statement issued before Trump’s departure, G7 leaders called for the de-escalation of hostilities. “We urge that the resolution of the Iranian crisis leads to a broader de-escalation of hostilities in the Middle East, including a ceasefire in Gaza,” the statement read. The group reiterated support for Israel’s right to defend itself, labeling Iran a destabilizing force in the region.
U.S. President Donald Trump speaks to a reporter while standing with French President Emmanuel Macron, Canada Prime Minister Mark Carney and British Prime Minister Keir Starmer during a family photo at the G7 Summit in Kananaskis, Alberta, Canada, June 16, 2025. REUTERS/Kevin Lamarque
Trump Doubles Down on Foreign Policy Stance
Speaking alongside Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney earlier in the summit, Trump criticized the expulsion of Russia from what was formerly the Group of Eight. “This was a big mistake,” he said, implying that had Russian President Vladimir Putin remained engaged, the invasion of Ukraine in 2022 might not have occurred.
“Putin speaks to me. He doesn’t speak to anybody else,” Trump claimed. Though he stopped short of calling for Russia’s reinstatement, his comments sparked concern among European leaders hoping to push for tougher sanctions against Moscow.
Meanwhile, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy is still expected to meet with G7 leaders on Tuesday, though Trump’s absence has cast uncertainty over any unified commitments.
U.S. President Donald Trump and Canada’s Prime Minister Mark Carney talk during a family photo at the G7 Summit in Kananaskis, Alberta, Canada, June 16, 2025. REUTERS/Amber Bracken
Without Trump’s participation, diplomats remain uncertain whether any final declarations will emerge from the summit. “It’s unclear if there will be any declarations,” a European official told Reuters, noting that the U.S. had not signed off on several key drafts concerning artificial intelligence, migration, and critical minerals.
Trade Talks and Tariff Tensions
Despite the turmoil, Trump managed to finalize a new trade agreement with British Prime Minister Keir Starmer before departing. The deal, which reduces tariffs between the two allies, marks a significant bilateral achievement during the summit.
U.S. President Donald Trump and British Prime Minister Keir Starmer hold a signed Trade Agreement during a meeting, at the G7 summit, in Kananaskis, Alberta, Canada, June 16, 2025. REUTERS/Suzanne Plunkett/Pool
Carney and Trump also pledged to pursue a broader economic and security agreement between Canada and the United States within 30 days. However, Trump maintained that tariffs must remain part of any such arrangement — a stance the Canadian government opposes.
“Our position is that we should have no tariffs on Canadian exports to the United States,” said Canada’s ambassador to Washington, Kirsten Hillman.
