President Donald Trump is set to travel to Canada on Sunday for his first Group of Seven (G-7) summit since returning to office in January, with the event taking on greater significance due to escalating tensions in the Middle East and other major global issues. As world leaders gather, the recent exchange of attacks between Israel and Iran, ongoing trade negotiations, and the Russia-Ukraine war will be high on the agenda. Trump’s presence in Canada will also revive talk of his past suggestions to annex the country as a 51st U.S. state.
Israel-Iran Conflict Dominates Summit Focus
The G-7 meeting comes at a volatile moment in the Middle East, following a dramatic escalation involving Israel and Iran. Israel launched strikes on Iranian military bases and nuclear facilities, prompting retaliatory missile attacks that hit residential areas in both Tel Aviv and Tehran. This latest clash has heightened global concern over the potential for a broader regional war.
While the Trump administration has previously worked to reach an agreement with Iran to curb its nuclear ambitions, the latest violence has complicated those efforts. Still, Trump has hinted that diplomacy is not entirely off the table. Speaking to ABC News, Trump declared, “I think it’s been excellent,” referring to the Israeli strikes. “We gave them a chance and they didn’t take it. They got hit hard, very hard. They got hit about as hard as you’re going to get hit. And there’s more to come. A lot more.”
Although the U.S. initially distanced itself from the Israeli operation, by Friday afternoon a U.S. official confirmed the country was assisting Israel in intercepting incoming Iranian missiles. Later in the day, Trump indicated a possible renewed opportunity for nuclear talks, suggesting Iranian officials had started reaching out to him.
Ahead of the strikes, Trump had cautioned Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu about the timing, concerned it could interfere with diplomatic negotiations. “As long as I think there is an agreement, I don’t want them going in because I think that would blow it. Might help it, actually. But also could blow it,” he told reporters Thursday.
Talk of Canada Becoming 51st State Lingers
Although not on the official agenda, Trump’s earlier remarks about absorbing Canada into the United States are expected to cast a shadow over his visit. He has claimed that Canada would benefit from such a union, citing economic and military advantages. Trump will meet Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney on Monday, continuing a dialogue that began during Carney’s White House visit in early May.
During that meeting, Trump reiterated his provocative stance. “I say ‘never say never.’ I’ve had many, many things that were not doable, and they ended up being doable,” he said. “Canada loves us, and we love Canada. That’s I think the number one thing that’s important. But we’ll see. Over time, we’ll see what happens.”
Canadian politicians and citizens have largely rejected the idea of joining the U.S., and demonstrations during Trump’s visit are possible. However, the summit is being held in the remote area of Kananaskis in the Canadian Rockies, where public protests may be less visible.
Trade Negotiations Face Crucial Deadline
A key topic at the summit will be global trade, especially as Trump’s 90-day suspension on reciprocal tariffs is set to expire on July 8. With deals announced only with China and the United Kingdom so far, the pressure is on for additional agreements. Japan and European Union nations, both vital trading partners, will be in attendance.
Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent hinted during congressional testimony that the administration may offer some flexibility to countries that are negotiating in earnest. “It is highly likely that for those countries that are negotiating – or trading blocs, in the case of the EU – who are negotiating in good faith, we will roll the date forward to continue the good-faith negotiation,” Bessent said. “If someone is not negotiating, then we will not.”
The administration initially set a lofty goal of securing 90 trade agreements in 90 days. Although Trump has mentioned that deals with India, Japan, and Vietnam are close, none have been finalized yet. On Thursday, Trump noted that Indian representatives were in Washington working on a deal and that officials from Pakistan might follow next week.
The White House is under pressure to deliver results, particularly after Trump was forced to delay his tariff strategy in April in response to backlash from Republicans and financial markets. Trump has stated that if talks fail, his administration will unilaterally set new tariff rates.
Russia-Ukraine War Remains Stalemated
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky is expected to attend the G-7 summit, though it remains unclear whether he will have a private meeting with Trump. The war in Ukraine presents a thorny issue for Trump, who promised during the 2024 campaign to end the conflict within 24 hours of taking office. However, nearly five months into his presidency, there has been little visible progress.
Russia has rejected U.S. proposals for a temporary ceasefire. Trump’s frustration with Russian President Vladimir Putin has grown, calling him “absolutely CRAZY” in a recent comment. At the same time, Trump also expressed disillusionment with Ukraine’s leadership. “I’m very disappointed in Russia, but I’m disappointed in Ukraine also because I think deals could have been made,” he said.
During Zelensky’s February visit to the White House, tensions flared when Vice President JD Vance criticized Zelensky for not showing enough gratitude for American support. Trump has pushed Zelensky to take more initiative in ending the war.
Following a Ukrainian drone strike on Russian bombers earlier this month, Trump spoke with Putin. He later described the conversation as “good” but noted it likely wouldn’t “lead to immediate peace.”
Concerns that Russia may not stop with Ukraine have been voiced by U.S. defense officials. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth recently told senators that “it remains to be seen” whether Putin would limit his ambitions, while Joint Chiefs of Staff Chair Gen. Dan “Razin” Caine warned that Putin may push beyond Ukraine if successful.
Month of High-Stakes Diplomatic Engagements
Trump’s visit to Canada marks the beginning of a busy month of global diplomacy. Later in June, he is scheduled to travel to The Hague for the NATO Summit, his first since retaking office. The G-7 meeting will also be attended by several non-member leaders, including Zelensky, Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum, and Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva.
Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt confirmed that Trump will hold side meetings with some leaders, though the final schedule remains in flux. “I can confirm there will be quite a few bilateral meetings between Trump and other foreign leaders. The White House is still working very hard to finalize that schedule,” she said Wednesday.
The NATO summit, set for June 24 and 25, will reflect shifting dynamics in the alliance. Unlike President Biden, who emphasized unwavering support for NATO, Trump has previously questioned whether the U.S. should defend member states that don’t meet defense spending targets.
As Trump re-engages with allies, the weeks ahead will test his ability to manage intensifying global crises, sensitive diplomatic relationships, and the mounting expectations of his administration.