Tensions among G7 ministers amid Trump’s foreign policy shifts

Foreign ministers from major Western democracies gathered in Canada on Thursday following weeks of rising tensions between President Donald Trump and his allies, triggered by his shifts in foreign policy regarding Ukraine and the imposition of tariffs.

The two-day meeting in La Malbaie, Quebec, brought together representatives from the G7 nations—Britain, Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, and the United States—along with the European Union. The agenda included discussions on key issues that have historically united these nations. However, this year’s meeting faced challenges, particularly over crafting a unified final statement.

Central to the discussions was a debriefing on US Secretary of State Marco Rubio’s meeting with Ukrainian officials in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, where Ukraine expressed readiness to support a 30-day ceasefire. The G7 ministers were also focused on the recent US decision to impose 25% tariffs on steel and aluminum imports, which led to reciprocal actions from both Canada and the EU.

The US has been firm on limiting language related to Ukraine, opposing a separate declaration concerning Russia’s “shadow fleet,” a network of ships evading sanctions. Additionally, Washington pushed for stronger language on China. Rubio emphasized that the United States wanted to avoid any wording that could hinder peace negotiations with Russia and Ukraine.

Diplomats from the G7 indicated that the positive developments in Jeddah could potentially facilitate more constructive talks on Ukraine. The US, under Trump, has taken a tougher stance on Ukraine, pushing for a quick resolution to the conflict while urging European partners to assume more responsibility.

Tensions have also been evident with the US imposing tariffs and questioning NATO allies' roles in diplomatic efforts. Even Japan, historically aligned with American security interests, has found itself at odds with Trump’s approach.

The strain in US-Canada relations is particularly noteworthy, with Trump threatening tariffs on Canadian imports and even suggesting the annexation of Canada as the 51st state. Canadian Foreign Minister Melanie Joly, anticipating a tough agenda at the G7, vowed to press the issue of tariffs with both European counterparts and the US.

European diplomats are hopeful the G7 will allow them to gauge the influence of Rubio and other officials on US foreign policy. Trump's use of officials outside the State Department for international talks has led to concerns over the coherence of US policy, especially in regions such as Ukraine and the Middle East, where erratic statements from Washington have raised alarm among allies.