President Donald Trump said Friday that he will probably attend the Group of Seven leaders' summit in France next month, despite ongoing tensions with key allies over the Iran conflict and trade disputes.
When asked at the White House whether he would join the gathering of representatives from the world's richest nations, Trump responded, "Probably."
Leaders are scheduled to meet in Évian-les-Bains, in southeastern France, from June 15-17. The gathering comes as relations between the US and other economies have been strained by the Middle East conflict.
Other nations have ignored Trump's calls to help the US in its war against Iran and to assist in reopening the largely shuttered Strait of Hormuz. Trump has criticized G-7 members, including the United Kingdom, Italy and Germany, and threatened to draw down US troops stationed in some European countries.
Trade tensions are also present. Trump announced Friday that he would raise tariffs on car and truck imports from the European Union, raising concerns about whether the bloc will fully ratify an agreement with the US.
Trump has also clashed with French President Emmanuel Macron, who called last month for medium-sized powers to join forces and stand up to the US and China. With the US at odds with many international institutions, the French leader is expected to push this message as this year's G-7 host.
source https://www.investing.com/news/economy-news/trump-says-he-will-probably-attend-g7-summit-in-france-in-june-4654074
