Donald Trump faced criticism for making what many have called a ‘psychopathic’ statement regarding his early departure from the G7 summit in Canada.
The Group of Seven, consisting of the US, Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, and the UK, gathers annually to discuss global economic governance and international security matters. This meeting is significant, so when the US president decided to leave early on Monday, June 16, it drew significant attention.
White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt announced that Trump would return home after the official G7 dinner on Monday night, but she did not disclose the reason for his early departure.
“Much was accomplished, but because of what’s going on in the Middle East, President Trump will be leaving tonight after dinner with Heads of State,” she tweeted.
The President mentioned informing the summit host, Canada’s Prime Minister Mark Carney, about his early departure, assuring that the group would understand.
“I have to be back as soon as I can,” he stated. “I wish I could stay until tomorrow, but they understand, this is big stuff,” according to The Guardian.
By leaving early, Trump did not participate in a joint G7 statement urging a ‘de-escalation of hostilities in the Middle East, including a ceasefire in Gaza.’ Although the statement did not explicitly call for a ceasefire between Israel and Iran, Trump agreed to the statement and advised residents in Tehran, Iran, to evacuate through social media before departing.
Israel has been carrying out strikes in Tehran since Thursday night, without US involvement so far.
Criticism followed when Trump posted on Truth Social, accusing French President Emmanuel Macron of misunderstanding the reasons for his early exit.
Trump wrote: “Publicity seeking President Emmanuel Macron, of France, mistakenly said that I left the G7 Summit, in Canada, to go back to D.C. to work on a ‘cease fire’ between Israel and Iran. 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. Whether purposely or not, Emmanuel always gets it wrong. Stay Tuned!”
This has been met with backlash, with many labeling Trump’s response as ‘pathetic’ and ‘petty,’ especially in light of his previous comments regarding Russia and the G8.
“Insulting our allies again, after whining they won’t let Putin back into the G8,” one critic remarked, referencing Russia’s removal from the G8 in 2014, a decision Trump has criticized.
Another added: “I thought Macron was being very generous in saying Trump was returning to try and broker a ceasefire. It made the [orange emoji] sound presidential. But he probably just wanted to play golf.”
Questions arose about what could be more pressing than a ceasefire or peace deal that warranted Trump’s early exit.
Prior to leaving, Trump told reporters that Iran was eager to make a deal and that they would address it soon after his departure.
However, it seems whatever deal Trump hinted at failed to materialize, as a subsequent post from him read: “Iran should have signed the ‘deal’ I told them to sign. What a shame, and waste of human life.
“Simply stated, IRAN CAN NOT HAVE A NUCLEAR WEAPON. I said it over and over again! Everyone should immediately evacuate Tehran!”