Key facts
- G7 leaders are focused on managing personal relationships with President Donald Trump to ensure a smooth summit.
- Past interactions, including Trump's early departure from a previous summit, highlight the challenges.
- Leaders like Emmanuel Macron and Sanae Takaichi have developed strategies to maintain positive relations with Trump.
- Criticisms of the Iran war and differing defense spending contributions have strained relationships with some leaders.
- Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi's pledge to increase defense spending has been well-received by Trump.
G7 leaders are navigating delicate personal relationships with President Donald Trump at the summit in France, aiming to prevent public disputes over issues such as the Iran war and defense spending. The summit has become a test of diplomatic skill in managing interactions with the unpredictable U.S. leader.
Former State Department spokesperson Ned Price noted that "during this administration, it’s a little diplomacy, lots of vibes," suggesting the bar for success at multilateral summits is low, primarily amounting to avoiding major blowups. Last year's summit saw Trump leave early amid rising tensions. There is a possibility of a repeat performance, despite a preliminary agreement with Iran, as G7 allies have criticized the conflict, drawing criticism from Trump.
French President Emmanuel Macron, hosting the summit, has learned to push back against Trump without provoking him. Despite Trump's public jabs at Macron, the two leaders have maintained phone contact, and Macron is reportedly rolling out the red carpet for Trump's visit. A White House spokesperson declined to comment, but a senior administration official described Trump's relationships with G7 leaders as "very deep."
Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney also maintains frequent contact with Trump, with Janice Charette, Canada's chief trade negotiator, noting their "very good relationship" and frequent texting. This comes despite Carney's past criticisms of "great powers" disrupting the world order and the U.S. pausing participation in a joint continental defense board with Canada.
Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi is highlighted as a successful model U.S. ally. Trump has praised her "great wisdom and strength," and she has pledged to double Japan's defense spending, a move that appeals to Trump's criticism of allies not contributing enough to national defense. Takaichi managed to avoid rebuke when declining a request to send forces to secure the Strait of Hormuz due to constitutional restrictions, though Trump made a Pearl Harbor joke during their meeting.
Other leaders have faced greater difficulties. British Prime Minister Keir Starmer's refusal to back U.S. bombing of Iran has reportedly tainted his relationship with Trump, with Trump stating the U.K.-U.S. relationship is "not good at all." A European diplomat noted Starmer has been "burned" by Trump, making communication between Downing Street and the White House more difficult.
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz and Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni also saw their initially friendly dynamics with Trump deteriorate. Meloni, once hailed as the "Trump whisperer," faced a souring relationship after criticizing Trump's attacks on Pope Leo XIV over the Iran war. She is now facing domestic pressure regarding energy prices and defense spending demands. Merz's relationship declined after he criticized Washington for being "humiliated" in its war with Iran, leading Trump to call for a reduction of U.S. troops in Germany.
Allies are bracing for potential further fireworks at the summit, given Trump's unpredictable nature and the ongoing Middle East conflict.