Donald Trump, the former U.S. president and current Republican Party leader, made headlines by publicly criticizing former President Barack Obama and former Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau for their decision to expel Russia from the G8 summit in 2014. Trump described it as a ‘very big mistake’ that directly contributed to the ongoing war in Ukraine, asserting that keeping Russia in the group would have prevented the conflict. The G8 summit, which included leaders from eight major economic powers, was a key platform for global diplomacy, and Russia’s exclusion was a result of its annexation of Crimea from Ukraine in 2014.
In an appearance at the current G7 summit in Canada, held in a remote ski resort town in Alberta, Trump expressed frustration over the exclusion of Russia during the G8 era. He argued that having Russia at the table would have allowed for more constructive dialogue, rather than the hostile standoff between Moscow and Kyiv. Although he did not advocate for Vladimir Putin to be invited to the current G7 meeting, he emphasized the historical significance of the 2014 decision. ‘It was a big mistake,’ Trump said, ‘to not have Russia in the G8, and it was a mistake they made, and it’s a big mistake.’
The current summit, marking the first of Trump’s second presidency, is expected to address a range of global issues, including escalating tensions between Israel and Iran. Israel recently launched preemptive strikes on Iran’s nuclear facilities as part of ‘Operation Rising Lion,’ killing several Iranian military officials. In response, Iran launched attacks on Israel, causing significant casualties and damage to residential areas. Trump has continued to push for a nuclear deal with Iran, despite its recent withdrawal from ongoing negotiations with the U.S.
While the G7 summit focuses on trade and global security, Trump’s comments on Russia’s G8 exclusion highlight his controversial foreign policy views, which have long emphasized a more confrontational stance toward Moscow. His criticism of Obama and Trudeau adds to a broader narrative of blaming former leaders for shaping policies that have led to current geopolitical crises. This rhetoric also coincides with the summit’s other key points of discussion, including the ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine, and the potential for renewed diplomatic efforts between the U.S. and Iran.