Dem leaders condemn Trump after reversal on G-7 communique endorsement

Members of Democratic leadership tore into President Trump on Saturday for reversing his endorsement of the Group of Seven (G-7) joint communique and threatening to impose tariffs on Canada.

Trump attacked Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau in a set of tweets sent after departing the summit ahead of schedule.

{mosads}“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

Hours earlier, Trudeau had announced that all leaders of the G-7 had signed on to a joint statement at the summit’s conclusion, as is customary.

Senate Minority Leader Charles Schumer (D-N.Y.) took a jab at Trump by condemning his earlier calls for Russia to be reinstated in the group.

“Are we executing Putin’s diplomatic and national security strategy or AMERICA’s diplomatic and national security strategy? After the last few days, it’s hard to tell,” Schumer tweeted Saturday.

Are we executing Putin’s diplomatic and national security strategy or AMERICA’s diplomatic and national security strategy? After the last few days, it’s hard to tell.

— Chuck Schumer (@SenSchumer) June 9, 2018

House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.) chided Trump and his Commerce Department.

“This week started with @realDonaldTrump boosting a Chinese company identified as a national security threat to the U.S.,” Pelosi tweeted. 

“It ended with him standing up for Russia and alienating our allies at the G7. #MAGA”

This week started with @realDonaldTrump boosting a Chinese company identified as a national security threat to the U.S. It ended with him standing up for Russia and alienating our allies at the G7. #MAGA

— Nancy Pelosi (@NancyPelosi) June 9, 2018

The agency reached a deal earlier this week to lift penalties on Chinese telecommunications firm ZTE, which is currently under U.S. sanctions and has been recognized as a national security threat by U.S. officials.

Trump — who left the G-7 summit and headed to Singapore for his planned summit with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un — lashed out at Trudeau after revoking U.S. endorsement of the communique, dubbing the Canadian prime minister “meek and mild.”

“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

During the summit, Trump demanded that G-7 countries reduce their trade barriers and defend the tariffs on aluminum and steel.