Trump, On the 8th or 9th, Pre-announced 'Announcement to shake perceptions'...Unrelated to trade

On the 7th (local time), U.S. President Donald Trump and FIFA President Gianni Infantino attend a North American World Cup task force meeting at the White House (source: AFP)

U.S. President Donald Trump strongly criticized the decision to exclude Russia from the G8 but drew a line saying that now is not the time for rejoining. President Trump expressed this position during a North American World Cup related task force meeting at the White House on the 6th (local time). He said, “Obama did not like Russia, so G7 excluded Russia,” and added, “I think that decision was very foolish.”

Russia was excluded from the G8 by the G7 due to sanctions over the 2014 annexation of Crimea and invasion of Ukraine. Trump claimed that the decision was led by Obama and former Canadian Prime Minister Trudeau, adding, “If Russia had remained in the G8 then, absurd and murderous wars like now would not have happened.” However, regarding the current possibility of Russia’s return, he showed a cautious stance saying, “It is not a good timing.”

President Trump also mentioned the result of a meeting with Canadian Prime Minister Marc Carney in the same venue. He emphasized a positive atmosphere by saying, “The meeting went smoothly without tension, and the cooperation for next year’s World Cup is perfectly underway.” Also, although there is a precedent where he called former Prime Minister Trudeau 'U.S. governor' provocatively, he did not use such an expression for Prime Minister Carney this time. He said, “I have not done so yet, and may not in the future.”

Meanwhile, Trump repeatedly mentioned at the Middle East special envoy inauguration ceremony held immediately after the event that there will be an “earth-shattering” announcement within days. He said, “It is not related to trade but an important issue that will be a positive development for the U.S. and its people,” without disclosing specifics. The announcement is scheduled for the 8th or 9th, drawing attention from political circles and the media.

President Trump is set to tour the Middle East, including Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) next week, and announced that Israel will not be included in this schedule.