Trump refuses to endorse G-7 communique, threatens Canada with more tariffs

President Trump rebuked Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau on Saturday, saying that the U.S. will not endorse a joint communique signed with the other Group of Seven (G-7) members at this weekend’s summit and seemingly threatening to impose further tariffs on the country.

“Based on Justin’s false statements at his news conference, and the fact that Canada is charging massive Tariffs to our U.S. farmers, workers and companies, I have instructed our U.S. Reps not to endorse the Communique as we look at Tariffs on automobiles flooding the U.S. Market!” Trump tweeted.

Based on Justin’s false statements at his news conference, and the fact that Canada is charging massive Tariffs to our U.S. farmers, workers and companies, I have instructed our U.S. Reps not to endorse the Communique as we look at Tariffs on automobiles flooding the U.S. Market!

— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) June 9, 2018

{mosads}Trump’s announcement came just hours after Trudeau announced that all members of the G-7 had signed on to a joint statement at the summit’s conclusion.

Before Trudeau’s announcement, there had been speculation that the U.S. might be excluded from the communique due to high tensions between Trump and some G-7 leaders over recently imposed tariffs on steel and aluminum imports.

“I’m happy to announce that we’ve released a joint communique by all seven countries,” Trudeau said. It is customary for the nations to issue a joint communique at the conclusion of their annual summit.

Following his announcement that the U.S. would be pulling its endorsement of the joint statement, Trump took another jab at Trudeau in a second tweet. 

Trump criticized the Canadian prime minister for acting “meek and mild” during their G-7 meetings, accusing him of changing his tone after Trump departed for a planned summit with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un in Singapore.

“PM Justin Trudeau of Canada acted so meek and mild during our @G7 meetings only to give a news conference after I left saying that, ‘US Tariffs were kind of insulting’ and he ‘will not be pushed around’ Very dishonest & weak. Our Tariffs are in response to his of 270% on dairy!” Trump tweeted.

PM Justin Trudeau of Canada acted so meek and mild during our @G7 meetings only to give a news conference after I left saying that, “US Tariffs were kind of insulting” and he “will not be pushed around.” Very dishonest & weak. Our Tariffs are in response to his of 270% on dairy!

— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) June 9, 2018

The Prime Minister’s Office responded by saying Trudeau has been consistent with Trump.

“The Prime Minister said nothing he hasn’t said before — both in public, and in private conversations with the President,” the Prime Minister’s Office said in a statement.

Statement from the Prime Minister’s Office:

We are focused on everything we accomplished here at the #G7 summit.

The Prime Minister said nothing he hasn’t said before — both in public, and in private conversations with the President.

— Cameron Ahmad (@CameronAhmad) June 9, 2018

Trump — who left the summit earlier than scheduled — demanded on Saturday that G-7 countries reduce their trade barriers and has adamantly defended the tariffs on aluminum and steel he placed on U.S. allies.

Updated 8:00 p.m.