Global Geopolitical Series: Trump lashes at G7 criticisms ahead of meeting

President Trump took to Twitter to respond to the recent criticism from G7 leaders with regard to the United States’ trade policy under the Trump administration, which has been vocal against United States’ trade deficit with the rest of the world. Among the G7 countries, Germany, France, and Canada have been very critical of Trump’s trade policies, while Japan and Italy showed no interest in confronting the United States publicly. The Japanese Prime Minister even visited the White House before the G7 event later today, near Canada’s city of Quebec.

Earlier this week, French president Macron called on the rest of G6 countries to stand firm against the Trump administration, while being polite and productive. Speaking to reporters Macron said, “Maybe the American President Doesn’t care about being isolated today, but we don’t mind being six”, which is a clear hint that the EU won’t give into Trump’s demand easily. Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau warned of possible retaliation against the United States over the metal tariffs (25 percent on Steel and 10 percent on Aluminum), which became live from this month.

In response to the collective criticism of G7 leaders, President Trump said on Twitter, “Please tell Prime Minister Trudeau and President Macron that they are charging the U.S. massive tariffs and create non-monetary barriers. The EU trade surplus with the U.S. is $151 Billion, and Canada keeps our farmers and others out. Look forward to seeing them tomorrow…… 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!..... 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!”

It is clear that President Trump is not ready to back down and not only he is backing down but issued a thinly veiled threat of further tariffs. President Trump will be traveling to Canada today to attend the G7 summit and will be leaving for Singapore on Saturday for the much-anticipated meeting with North Korean leader Kim Jong-Un and will not be attending the second day of the G7 summit.