On June 16, 2025, President Donald Trump abruptly departed the G7 Summit in Kananaskis, Alberta, citing the escalating Middle East conflict as the reason for his early exit. The move came just hours after a tense bilateral meeting with Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney, and amid growing criticism of Trump’s domestic agenda.
Middle East Crisis Forces Early Departure
White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt confirmed that Trump would leave the summit ahead of schedule to address the escalating conflict between Israel and Iran. In a Truth Social post, Trump called for the immediate evacuation of Tehran, warning that Iran’s nuclear ambitions had reached a “point of no return”.
The president’s departure came as U.S. allies expressed concern over the potential for a broader regional war. Trump’s absence is expected to complicate G7 discussions on global security and energy stability.
Tensions with Canada and Trade Talks
Earlier in the day, Trump met privately with Prime Minister Mark Carney, who has been working behind the scenes to ease tensions between the two countries. Trump’s tariff threats and past remarks about making Canada the “51st state by economic force” have strained relations.
Despite the friction, Carney opened the meeting by wishing Trump a happy belated birthday and emphasized the need for continued cooperation. However, the summit’s tone remained cautious, with Carney later stepping in to cut off Trump’s press Q&A, signaling the fragility of their rapport.
Approval Ratings Dip Amid Policy Backlash
Back home, Trump’s approval ratings showed signs of erosion. According to Reuters/Ipsos, only 42% of Americans approve of his job performance, while 54% disapprove. His controversial “Big Beautiful Bill”, a sweeping tax and spending package, remains deeply unpopular, with a net disapproval of -26 to -29 points across multiple polls.
Even among Republicans, support for the bill is fractured, with non-MAGA conservatives expressing strong opposition. The legislation’s proposed $1 trillion in Medicaid cuts and new work requirements have drawn criticism from both moderate lawmakers and healthcare advocates.
June 16, 2025, underscored the fragile balance of Trump’s presidency—juggling global crises, domestic dissent, and political optics. As he returns to Washington, the world watches to see how he will navigate the twin storms of war and waning support.