Sheinbaum Stays at G7 Despite Trump Pull‑out: News Summary \ Newslooks \ Washington DC \ Mary Sidiqi \ Evening Edition \ President Trump exited the G7 summit in Canada on Monday night, a day earlier than planned, due to growing Israel‑Iran hostilities. Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum will remain at the summit and engage with key leaders like Canada, Germany, India, the EU. Heightened regional tensions prompted U.S. military repositioning and increased security, including wildlife measures around Kananaskis.
Quick Looks
- Early departure: Trump cuts summit short; misses meetings with Zelenskyy and Sheinbaum.
- Sheinbaum stays: Shifts focus to meet Carney, Germany, India, EU despite cancelled Trump meeting.
- Security concerns: U.S. Defense Secretary heads to Situation Room; military assets pre-positioned.
- Wildlife safety: Black & grizzly bears reported; electric fences/drones protect leaders.
- Former precedent: Trump similarly exited G7 early in 2018 to meet Kim Jong Un.
Deep Look
Trump Cuts G7 Summit Short Amid Rising Middle East Conflict
President Donald Trump’s decision to leave the G7 summit in Canada earlier than scheduled marks a significant diplomatic pivot driven by mounting tensions between Israel and Iran. Originally slated to remain through Tuesday, Trump instead departed Monday evening following a series of high-stakes discussions and a dramatic social media post warning, “Everyone should immediately evacuate Tehran!”—a move signaling the gravity of the Middle East situation and reinforcing his administration’s no-tolerance stance toward Iran’s nuclear ambitions.
His early exit interrupted bilateral meetings with two pivotal leaders: Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. These were to be key engagements, especially with Sheinbaum, as it would have been her first in-person interaction with Trump since taking office. Instead, Trump prioritized national security briefings back in Washington as intelligence suggested the conflict between Israel and Iran was nearing a potential flashpoint.
Mexico’s Strategic Presence at the G7 Despite Trump’s Exit
Claudia Sheinbaum opted to stay at the summit, leveraging her attendance to hold important meetings with Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney and leaders from Germany, India, and the European Union. Her continued presence underscores Mexico’s broader commitment to multilateral diplomacy and its concern for de-escalation in the Middle East. Mexico’s Foreign Relations Office emphasized its hope that “the situation in the Middle East doesn’t worsen,” signaling a desire to maintain stability through international cooperation rather than abrupt disengagement.
Trump’s History of Abrupt G7 Departures
This isn’t the first time Trump has left the G7 summit early. In 2018, he departed the Quebec summit mid-afternoon to prepare for his historic meeting with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un in Singapore. Then, as now, his early departure bypassed key environmental and outreach sessions—this time, missing discussions on trade harmonization, global security frameworks, and regional development partnerships. However, Trump insists his reasons are justified, saying to reporters during the summit’s photo session, “I have to be back, very important. You probably see what I see.” His decision, he said, was understood and supported by other world leaders, including Canadian host Mark Carney, who expressed gratitude for Trump’s participation despite his early departure.
U.S. Military on High Alert as Situation Escalates
Back in Washington, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth was summoned to the White House Situation Room to brief Trump and the national security team. The Pentagon has repositioned military assets, including warships and aerial refueling tankers, throughout the Middle East to brace for potential escalations. These strategic movements are intended to enhance readiness in case U.S. bases or personnel become targets amid the Iran–Israel confrontation.
According to Hegseth, these deployments are precautionary but reflect a rapidly evolving situation. “We’re doing everything to ensure our people are safe,” he told Fox News. Meanwhile, U.S. officials have stressed that American forces are maintaining a defensive posture as Israel continues to carry out airstrikes on Iranian nuclear and military facilities. Over the weekend, Tehran responded by launching a barrage of ballistic missiles, prompting global concern and heightened military vigilance.
Wildlife Threats Add Another Layer to G7 Security
While geopolitical crises dominated discussions inside the summit, outside the Kananaskis venue in Alberta’s Rocky Mountains, another kind of security threat loomed—bears. Both black bears and grizzlies inhabit the area and were spotted near summit grounds, including around the local golf course. One popular trail was shut down entirely after a grizzly was seen feeding on a carcass, a known precursor to aggressive behavior.
To protect world leaders and attending media, organizers implemented electric fencing and deployed surveillance drones. Warning signs reading, “Stay alert, don’t feed the wildlife,” were posted around the media center. British officials even briefed traveling journalists on wildlife protocol, highlighting the unpredictable nature of hosting high-profile summits in remote and ecologically sensitive regions.
Political Ramifications and Trump’s Messaging
Trump’s early departure has political implications as well. While defending his administration’s stance on Iran, he used his social media platform to launch another attack on former Fox News host Tucker Carlson, who criticized Trump for being “complicit in an act of war.” Trump countered with a fiery post: “Somebody please explain to kooky Tucker Carlson that, IRAN CAN NOT HAVE A NUCLEAR WEAPON!”
His assertiveness resonates with his base but also fuels internal debate among conservatives about America’s role in foreign conflicts. Figures like Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene and Turning Point USA’s Charlie Kirk have voiced concern over potential U.S. military involvement in the Middle East, arguing that Trump’s appeal was grounded in avoiding foreign entanglements.
Trade Discussions Still on the Table
Before his departure, Trump managed to solidify key aspects of a U.S.–U.K. trade agreement alongside British Prime Minister Keir Starmer. The deal, which includes reduced tariffs on cars and expanded access for American beef and ethanol, is still pending final provisions on steel. Canada’s trade talks with the U.S. remain in limbo, as Prime Minister Carney noted “significant policy differences,” particularly regarding Trump’s use of tariffs as leverage.
A Critical Moment for Global Diplomacy
Trump’s departure has cast a shadow over a summit already framed as a “turning point in history” by Canadian Prime Minister Carney. The intersection of global conflict, environmental concerns, and uncertain leadership underscores how fragile today’s diplomatic efforts are. As the summit progresses without Trump, other leaders may step forward to address urgent issues—though the absence of the U.S. president will undoubtedly alter the summit’s final trajectory and outcomes.
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