BANFF, Canada — President Donald Trump opened the 2025 Group of Seven officials ’ conference by complaining it was a “mistake” for the international business to reduce Russia from its ranks.
“The G7 used to be the G8. [ Former President ] Barack Obama and a person named [former Canadian Prime Minister Justin ] Trudeau did n’t want to have Russia in, and I would say that was a mistake because I think you would n’t have a war right now if you had Russia in, ” Trump told reporters on Monday.
“ What’s that? Nine years ago, eight years ago, it switched over, ” Trump said. “They threw Russia up, which I claimed was a pretty big mistake, yet though I was n’t in politics therefore, I was very quiet about it. It was a blunder in that you spend so much time talking about Russia, but he’s no more at the desk, so it makes life more difficult. ”
Trump made the comments during his first look at this year’s G7 mountain, which Canada is hosting in Kananaskis. He was beside Trudeau’s son, Mark Carney.
Carney welcomed investigators into the chamber amid his intergovernmental meeting with Trump, who turned 79 on Saturday. Carney wished the senator a happy holiday.
Trump was therefore peppered with issues regarding business and Iran. Concerning trade, the president underscored his position as “a tariff person ” because duties are “easy, ” “precise, ” and can be imposed “quickly, ” though he hoped he and Carney could address their “different concepts ” during their meeting.
On Iran, Trump confirmed studies that Tehran is trying to de-escalate with Israel, saying it “is no winning this battle ” and recommending that “they may speak immediately before it ’s too soon. ” Before the Trump-Carney meet, it was also reported that the United States is unlikely to signal a G7 statement related to Iran and Israel as it seeks to reach a new nuclear deal with Tehran.
A White House national told the Washington Examiner of the Iran-Israel speech: “ Under the strong leadership of President Trump, the United States is up to leading the effort to restore peace around the world. President Trump will continue to work towards ensuring Iran cannot receive a nuclear weapon. ”
When asked, Trump added that China may also be included in the G7, along with Russia.
Carney ended media exposure to his conference with Trump by attempting to retake control of the room, telling reporters asking the president issues that he was exercising “my part as G7 head. ”
While taxes are the primary place of the G7 summit, the conflict between Russia and Ukraine, in addition to Israel’s issues with Hamas and presently Iran, are together on the plan for the frontrunners to explore.
To that end, Russian President Vladimir Putin was not invited to the summit, but Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky is one of several non-G7 leaders who are or will be in attendance.
THE G7 SUMMIT: WHO AND WHAT TO KNOW
Trump’s bilateral meeting with Carney is one of three expected during the G7 summit, which concludes on Tuesday. He is also anticipated to take part in longer sit downs with Zelensky and Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum. Zelensky is scheduled to arrive on Tuesday with NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte. Sheinbaum will arrive on Monday.
Trump will have more casual “pull-asides ” with German Chancellor Friedrich Merz and British Prime Minister Keir Starmer on Monday as well.
