The first day of the G7 summit in Canada marks a diplomatic balancing act for U.S. President Donald Trump. With a signed trade agreement with the United Kingdom, sharp criticism from within his own ranks, and a restrained stance toward Russia, Trump sets his own tone – entirely in line with the style of his second term. Together with British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, Trump announced the ratification of a long-negotiated bilateral trade agreement. The deal provides for significant tariff reductions on goods traded between the two countries, particularly in automobiles and aerospace products. Trump called it a “fair deal” for both sides that would “create a lot of jobs and a lot of income.” Starmer described the day as “a very good day for both our countries.” However, the agreement does not include a settlement on steel – a particularly sensitive issue in transatlantic trade. Talks on this matter are set to continue. U.S. Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick is expected to soon determine quotas for duty-free imports of steel and aluminum.
In parallel with the trade talks, Trump also met with European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen. During the meeting, he threatened up to 50 percent tariffs on European goods – unless the EU shows more willingness to meet Washington's terms. For now, the tariff level remains at 10 percent, but Trump says he will make a final decision before July 9. Trump's approach toward Russia is also raising international eyebrows. While several G7 nations – including the United Kingdom – have announced new sanctions against Moscow over the war in Ukraine, Trump continues to hold back. He said he wanted to “see whether Europe actually acts” before making a move. Sanctions, he argued, are “not a one-way street” and “cost the U.S. a lot of money.” His reluctance has sparked reactions not only internationally but also at home.
Particularly outspoken was former Fox News host Tucker Carlson, who accused Trump in a newsletter of “complicity in an act of war” – a reference to Trump’s role in the Middle East conflict between Israel and Iran. Trump responded in front of cameras: “I don’t know what Tucker Carlson is talking about. Let him buy his own network if he wants to be heard.” The background is a recently revealed Israeli plan to assassinate Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Khamenei – a plan that Trump, according to a U.S. official, rejected. Meanwhile, the Canadian civil society is also speaking out. An Indigenous leader who greeted heads of state at the G7 said he had considered leaving the event before Trump arrived. The president, he said, had “caused much pain and suffering in the world.”
Yet despite the seriousness of these events, there were also symbolic moments. Portuguese EU Council President António Costa presented Trump with a signed jersey from soccer star Cristiano Ronaldo on the sidelines of the summit – with the inscription: “To President Donald J. Trump, Playing for Peace.” Trump thus remains a president of extremes on the international stage – navigating between threats, deals, and demonstrative self-assurance. The G7 summit shows that his agenda is clear, his allies hesitant – and his influence undiminished. But beneath the surface, dissent is brewing – even within his own ranks.
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