During the G7 summit in Kananaskis, Canada, on Monday, Donald Trump faced criticism for defending Russian President Vladimir Putin. The U.S. president expressed his discontent with Russia’s exclusion from the group of leading industrialized nations, citing its expulsion in 2014 following the annexation of Crimea.
Trump told reporters and fellow world leaders that the G7 used to be the G8, blaming former President Barack Obama and a person he mistakenly identified as Trudeau for Russia’s removal. He claimed that having Russia at the table could have prevented a war, implying that his presidency would have avoided conflict.
It is worth noting that Justin Trudeau was not the Canadian leader at the time of Russia’s expulsion, as it was during Stephen Harper’s tenure.
Despite Trump’s assertion, critics condemned his remarks for once again showing support for Putin amidst Russia’s aggression in Ukraine. They also debunked his claim that there would have been no war during his term in office.
