Trump Says Russia Should be Part of Upcoming G7 Summit

This week, President Donald Trump called for Russia to be readmitted as one of the G7 group of key industrialized nations.

At the G-7 summit, being hosted in La Malbaie in Quebec, Canada this weekend, the U.S., U.K., Canada, France, Italy, Japan, and Germany will discuss economic policy and major global issues.

“Looking forward to straightening out unfair Trade Deals with the G-7 countries. If it doesn’t happen, we come out even better!” tweet Trump Friday morning. 

Back in 2014, Russia was expelled after the annexation of Crimea. But Trump made a comment Friday saying that Russia deserves to be reinstated to the meeting. 

“We have a world to run…. Russia should be in this meeting. Why are we having a meeting without Russia in the meeting? said Trump. “They should let Russia come back in because we should have Russia at the negotiating table.”

The meeting is already expected to be tense. Trump has made it clear that he wants to introduce new trade deals that put “America first.”

“A trade war doesn’t spare anyone. It will start first of all to hurt US workers” said Justin Trudeau, Prime Minister of Canada, while standing next to French President Emmanuel Macron. 

“If I can get the president to actually realize that what he’s doing is counterproductive for his own goals as well, perhaps we can move forward in a smarter way,” said Trudeau. “The American President may not mind being isolated, but neither do we mind signing a 6 country agreement if need be.”

Trump was quick to respond to Trudeau’s criticism. 

“Prime Minister Trudeau is being so indignant, bringing up the relationship that the U.S. and Canada had over the many years and all sorts of other things…but he doesn’t bring up the fact that they charge us up to 300% on dairy — hurting our Farmers, killing our Agriculture!” tweeted Trump. “Why isn’t the European Union and Canada informing the public that for years they have used massive Trade Tariffs and non-monetary Trade Barriers against the U.S. Totally unfair to our farmers, workers & companies. Take down your tariffs & barriers or we will more than match you!”

Trump will be leaving the meeting early and heading to Singapore Saturday morning for the highly anticipated meeting with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un.

“I am heading for Canada and the G-7 for talks that will mostly center on the long time unfair trade practiced against the United States. From there I go to Singapore and talks with North Korea on Denuclearization. Won’t be talking about the Russian Witch Hunt Hoax for a while!” tweeted Trump. 

Author’s note: Trump is strategic with his controversial statements and isn’t afraid to ruffle some feathers before the summit. But he does have a point about Russia not being involved too.