Donald Trump has criticized French President Emmanuel Macron for seeking attention, stating that Macron was incorrect about Trump leaving the G7 summit to focus on a Middle East ceasefire deal.
After news of the President’s early departure broke, Macron said Trump had “moments ago” said talks were underway for a ceasefire.
Trump had been scheduled to remain at the G7 summit in Canada until late Tuesday, but announced from midday on Monday that he planned to depart early.
He explained: “I have to be back as soon as I can,” with the White House pinning his return on “what’s going on in the Middle East”.
The other six leaders were left scrambling to put on a united front, and insisted they understood Trump’s decision.
Macron said: “If the United States can get a ceasefire, that’s a very good thing. France would support it.”
This frustrated Trump, who rebuked, “Attention-seeking President Emmanuel Macron of France wrongly claimed that I left the G7 Summit in Canada to return to D.C. to work on a ceasefire between Israel and Iran. Wrong!
“He has no idea why I am now on my way to Washington, but it certainly has nothing to do with a Cease Fire.”
Trump earlier urged “everyone” to evacuate Tehran immediately – though officials insist the US is not gearing up to join the Israeli bombing on Iran.
The other six leaders remained at the summit, and outwardly said they sympathised with Trump cutting short his attendance.
Canada’s PM Mark Carney said he “full understands why” Trump had to leave early.
