Trump's tensions with G7 leaders surface ahead of Évian summit
U.S. President Donald Trump has criticized several G7 counterparts over their refusal to join a proposed war against Iran, straining relations as the group meets in Évian-les-Bains.
President Donald Trump arrived in Évian-les-Bains this week for a G7 summit, where his remarks have highlighted growing friction with several allied leaders. The president has repeatedly questioned the willingness of G7 members to support a U.S.-Israeli initiative against Iran, a topic that is expected to dominate discussions at the meeting.
Trump’s relationship with the group dates back to his first term, marked by occasional personal attacks. He has targeted French President Emmanuel Macron with remarks about the French leader’s marriage, prompting Macron to express increasing frustration.
"I have been patient, but his comments are becoming intolerable," Macron reportedly said.
The Canadian prime minister, initially on better terms, has been referred to by Trump as “Governor Carney” after disputes over trade and a speech in Davos. British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, who had sought to improve ties, was dismissed by Trump as “no Winston Churchill” following Starmer’s refusal to back the Iran plan.
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, who once presented Trump with a family document, faced criticism after questioning the Iran strategy and accusing the United States of being “humiliated by the Iranian leadership.”
Even Italy’s prime minister, Giorgia Meloni, a traditionally supportive ally, was rebuked after she declined to join the Iran effort and later called Trump’s comments about Pope Leo XIV “unacceptable.”
Japan’s prime minister, Sanae Takaichi, has pursued a close rapport with Trump, yet she too was criticized for Japan’s stance on the Iran issue and for a joke about Pearl Harbor that was poorly received.
The summit is likely to address these diplomatic strains as the G7 leaders consider their collective response to the escalating tensions in the Middle East.
