G7 summit: Rubio distances talks from Trump's '51st state' remarks amid rising trade tensions
Kumar Shivam | Mar 13, 2025, 02:24 IST
( Image credit : Agencies )
U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio has confirmed that President Trump's suggestion to make Canada the "51st state" will not be discussed at the G7 summit. This clarification comes amid escalating trade tensions between the U.S. and its allies, particularly Canada, over U.S. tariffs. The G7 meeting in Quebec serves as a critical moment for global diplomatic relations, with the U.S.'s foreign policy under scrutiny.
Rubio's statement on G7 agenda
U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio clarified that discussions about President Trump’s controversial comments regarding Canada becoming the "51st state" would not be on the agenda of the G7 summit. Rubio emphasized that the focus of the meeting, taking place in Quebec, would be on significant global issues like defense, Ukraine, and regional security. He reassured reporters that the G7 meeting was not the place for such discussions, aiming to keep the focus on more pressing diplomatic concerns.
Escalating trade tensions
The G7 summit occurs against the backdrop of increasing trade tensions between the U.S. and its allies. Trump’s tariffs on steel and aluminum imports have prompted retaliatory measures from Canada, further straining the relationship between the two nations. Additionally, European countries have responded with their own trade measures. These tensions are magnified by Trump’s “America first” agenda, which has placed additional strain on traditional alliances and led to growing unease about the future of international trade.
Canada’s growing opposition
In Canada, President Trump’s suggestion to annex the country has stirred strong opposition, with citizens uniting against what they see as an attack on national sovereignty. Public sentiment has been particularly vocal, with U.S.-made products being boycotted, and the U.S. national anthem being booed at sporting events. Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has led the charge in pushing back against Trump’s policies, calling the U.S. tariffs “dumb” and rallying Canadians in a “Team Canada” response to defend their economic interests.
Trump’s desire to annex Canada
Despite the mounting backlash, President Trump continues to express his desire to make Canada the “51st state.” His comments, repeated in a social media post on Tuesday, have only exacerbated the already strained relationship between the U.S. and Canada. Trump’s remarks have overshadowed other diplomatic priorities, further fueling tensions between the two countries as they head into the G7 summit, where U.S. foreign policy remains under intense scrutiny.
U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio clarified that discussions about President Trump’s controversial comments regarding Canada becoming the "51st state" would not be on the agenda of the G7 summit. Rubio emphasized that the focus of the meeting, taking place in Quebec, would be on significant global issues like defense, Ukraine, and regional security. He reassured reporters that the G7 meeting was not the place for such discussions, aiming to keep the focus on more pressing diplomatic concerns.
Escalating trade tensions
The G7 summit occurs against the backdrop of increasing trade tensions between the U.S. and its allies. Trump’s tariffs on steel and aluminum imports have prompted retaliatory measures from Canada, further straining the relationship between the two nations. Additionally, European countries have responded with their own trade measures. These tensions are magnified by Trump’s “America first” agenda, which has placed additional strain on traditional alliances and led to growing unease about the future of international trade.
Canada’s growing opposition
In Canada, President Trump’s suggestion to annex the country has stirred strong opposition, with citizens uniting against what they see as an attack on national sovereignty. Public sentiment has been particularly vocal, with U.S.-made products being boycotted, and the U.S. national anthem being booed at sporting events. Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has led the charge in pushing back against Trump’s policies, calling the U.S. tariffs “dumb” and rallying Canadians in a “Team Canada” response to defend their economic interests.
Trump’s desire to annex Canada
Despite the mounting backlash, President Trump continues to express his desire to make Canada the “51st state.” His comments, repeated in a social media post on Tuesday, have only exacerbated the already strained relationship between the U.S. and Canada. Trump’s remarks have overshadowed other diplomatic priorities, further fueling tensions between the two countries as they head into the G7 summit, where U.S. foreign policy remains under intense scrutiny.