The G-7 summit is over but the attacks continue. The 2018 G-7 summit hosted by Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau ended on what will undoubtedly go down in history as one of the most contentious meetings for the industrial nations. Even before the summit began, President Trump engaged in a Twitter war with French President Macron and a not-so-nice phone call with Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau accusing Canada of burning down the White House, referencing the War of 1812, reported CNN.
All of the back and forth has been over Trump’s recent 25 percent tariff increase on steel and aluminum.
The hike has drawn the ire of many countries who've already stated that they will slap tariffs on the US in retaliation for the enormous tariff increase. This, of course, has not bothered the POTUS one bit even if the new tariffs' policy causes bad relations amongst the US' most trusted allies, and neighbor--Canada.
China and Mexico, who are not allies, have already presented a list of agriculture and meat products for their retaliatory tariff. Global economists predict the increase will hurt American farmers who are currently struggling even in America’s booming economy, according to Wall Street Journal and CNN reports.
PM Trudeau's integrity and honesty attacked by Trump
After the summit, Trudeau answered questions from the press about the US’ tariffs on Canada.
He reiterated his country’s position by saying Canadians were “polite, we’re reasonable but we will also not be pushed around.” These are the same comments that Trudeau previously made to the POTUS both in private and in public—something he confirmed at the press podium.
While aboard Air Force One in mid-flight to Singapore to meet with North Korean dictator Kim Jong-un, Trump watched the Prime Minister’s press conference.
Trudeau's comments lit the wick of Donald Trump’s fuse of anger. He took to Twitter tweeting that Trudeau was “meek and mild” in the G-7 meetings and his press conference comments show he is "very dishonest and weak.“
PM Justin Trudeau of Canada acted so meek and mild during our @G7 meetings only to give a news conference after I left saying that, “US Tariffs were kind of insulting” and he “will not be pushed around.” Very dishonest & weak. Our Tariffs are in response to his of 270% on dairy!
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) June 9, 2018
Based on Justin’s false statements at his news conference, and the fact that Canada is charging massive Tariffs to our U.S. farmers, workers and companies, I have instructed our U.S. Reps not to endorse the Communique as we look at Tariffs on automobiles flooding the U.S. Market!
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) June 9, 2018
However, tweets were not enough to message the POTUS’ disdain.
Trump's advisers joined the Trudeau-attack on live T.V.
Peter Navarro, White House Trade Adviser, appeared on FOX News, and Larry Kudlow, Chief Economic Adviser to President Trump, appeared on Jake Tapper’s State of the Union over the weekend. Although on different networks, they both had harsh words for the Canadian leader.
In Kudlow’s State of the Union appearance on CNN, he said Trudeau “stabbed us in the back” and that he "did a disservice to the whole G-7.” Kudlow added that Trudeau's comments made the president look weak, and that is what upset the president, especially considering Trudeau knew Trump was on his way to meet with Kim Jong-un.
Kudlow’s counterpart, Navarro, gave a similar interview but more vicious in nature telling FOX News that there was a “special place in hell” for leaders like Trudeau who "engages in bad-faith diplomacy with President Donald J.
Trump and then tries to stab him in the back on the way out the door." Navarro said the views came right from Air Force One. So whether he was implying Trump messaged his dismay to his advisers directly or through social media, one thing is certain: he and Kudlow echoed Trump’s sentiments. And, they do speak on behalf of the POTUS.
Canada and a US Senator punch back diplomatically
Disappointed by the US’ post-G-7 summit tweets and comments, Canada’s Foreign Minister Chrystia Freeland told CTV that the attacks from the White House advisers are not a “useful way to conduct our relations with other countries.” And it would seem that US Senator John McCain (R)-AZ would agree. Senator McCain who's been outspoken against the US president on several issues, especially on his use of harsh rhetoric and bullying tactics, took to Twitter Saturday (June 9) in support of Canada.
To our allies: bipartisan majorities of Americans remain pro-free trade, pro-globalization & supportive of alliances based on 70 years of shared values. Americans stand with you, even if our president doesn’t.
— John McCain (@SenJohnMcCain) June 10, 2018
And whether or not all Americans agree with Canada or the senator, or side with the POTUS, the world can rest assure the tariff conversation does not end here.
