G7 Diplomats Confront Rubio Over Trump’s Tariffs and Russia Policy/ G7 foreign ministers convened in Canada as Trump escalates trade tensions with new tariff threats on European alcohol. U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio faced concerns over Trump’s tariffs and Russia policy during the meeting. Canada’s foreign minister pushed back, saying her country won’t bow to economic pressure. Trump’s push to reinstate Russia in the G8 sparked divisions among U.S. allies. A U.S.-brokered ceasefire proposal in Ukraine remains uncertain as Moscow weighs its options.
G7 Diplomats Gather in Canada – Quick Looks
- G7 tensions rise as Trump threatens 200% tariffs on European alcohol in response to the EU’s whiskey tariffs.
- Secretary of State Marco Rubio insists U.S. policies are protecting American interests, but allies criticize Washington’s approach.
- Canada pushes back: Foreign Minister Mélanie Joly rejects Trump’s “51st state” remarks and vows to coordinate with European leaders.
- Ukraine ceasefire in limbo: Trump’s special envoy Steve Witkoff has arrived in Moscow for discussions with Putin’s advisers.
- G7 divisions deepen over Trump’s suggestion that Russia be reinstated into the G8, a move opposed by European leaders.
Deep Look: G7 Meeting Overshadowed by Trump’s Trade and Foreign Policy Moves
G7 Diplomats Face Tensions Over U.S. Tariffs
Top diplomats from the Group of 7 industrialized nations met in La Malbaie, Canada, on Thursday, aiming to address global challenges—including Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and Middle East stability. However, Trump’s aggressive trade policies and strained transatlantic relations dominated the agenda.
Just before the meeting began, Trump escalated his trade war, threatening to impose 200% tariffs on European wine and spirits if the EU proceeds with retaliatory tariffs on American whiskey. This move follows U.S. tariffs on steel and aluminum imports that went into effect earlier in the week.
Canadian Foreign Minister Mélanie Joly, who hosted the summit, made it clear that her country would not back down from U.S. economic pressure.
“In every single meeting, I will raise the issue of tariffs to coordinate a response with the Europeans and to put pressure on the Americans,” Joly said.
Rubio Tries to Defend Trump’s Trade Moves
U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio dismissed concerns about Trump’s economic and foreign policies, insisting they were necessary to protect U.S. industries and global competitiveness.
“I think it is quite possible that we could impose these tariffs while still maintaining constructive relationships with our allies,” Rubio told reporters.
Despite his optimism, European leaders expressed frustration with the unpredictable nature of Trump’s trade decisions, which they argue are hurting global economic stability.
German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock urged calm, warning against panic reactions to Trump’s policies.
“We have learned altogether in these shaky geopolitical times … especially in moments when your heart is really beating, it’s important to keep calm,” she said.
Ukraine Ceasefire Proposal in Limbo
Adding to tensions, the U.S. brokered a 30-day ceasefire proposal between Ukraine and Russia. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has agreed to it, but Moscow has yet to respond.
Trump’s special envoy Steve Witkoff arrived in Moscow on Thursday for discussions with Putin’s top advisers.
While some G7 leaders expressed cautious optimism, Russia remains noncommittal, with Kremlin officials suggesting that a ceasefire would only benefit Ukraine by allowing its military to regroup.
Divisions Over Russia’s Return to the G8
Another flashpoint in the meeting was Trump’s suggestion that Russia should be reinstated into the G8, undoing Moscow’s expulsion after its annexation of Crimea in 2014.
European leaders strongly opposed the idea, warning that such a move would undermine Ukraine and signal weakness to Putin.
British Prime Minister Keir Starmer and French officials are spearheading an effort to create a “coalition of the willing” to monitor a future ceasefire in Ukraine. However, the Trump administration has refused to endorse European peacekeeping troops.
German Foreign Minister Baerbock reaffirmed G7 unity on Russia, stating:
“The way to peace goes via strength and unity — a language that Putin understands.”
What’s Next?
With G7 leaders divided over Trump’s trade and foreign policies, the summit has underscored the widening rift between Washington and its allies.
As tariffs take effect and ceasefire negotiations unfold, the next few weeks will be critical for U.S.-Europe relations and the broader global economy.
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