Trump misses climate meeting and says he’ll invite Putin to next G7 amid erratic behaviour at summit
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Your support makes all the difference.Donald Trump has skipped a meeting about climate change and biodiversity attended by other world leaders at the G7 on Monday, in the latest sign that the American government does not view the global threat as a priority.
Separately, meeting German chancellor Angela Merkel, the US president claimed there was “great unity” on how to deal with the Iran crisis. Ms Merkel, however, said there was a long way to go on the issue, which has created considerable headache as tensions have flared between Tehran and Washington.
The snubs came just before Mr Trump attended a joint press conference with French president Emmanuel Macron, where the two leaders claimed to have found unity on many issues — from Iranian nuclear enrichment, to trade.
Later, after Mr Macron left the stage, the American president stuck around for a few questions, where he lavished praise on Vladimir Putin, Kim Jong-un, and at one point called himself an "environmentalist".
Mr Trump has also denied at the summit in France that he had suggested firing nuclear weapons at hurricanes — as was reported by Axios — and suggested his own Miami golf club for next year’s G7. He also claimed China had “called” to ask for trade talks – before a top Chinese official said he was unaware of any call.
Elsewhere, the 2020 Democratic primary field saw some heat, with a new poll showing Elizabeth Warren, Bernie Sanders, and Joe Biden all in a statistical dead heat among national voters.
The poll marked a potentially dramatic fall for Mr Biden from the top of the race, and came after Ms Warren attracted a massive crowd in Seattle — one that has received plenty of media attention for its striking visuals.
Also, Mr Trump's own party's primary field has gotten a bit tighter, with the long-shot entry of former congressman Joe Walsh, a one-time Trump supporter who claims the president has simply gotten too cozy with Russia.
Mr Trump repeating his claims that the US gave Iran $1.8 billion but got nothing in return. The US did not, however, actually give money to Iran.
"We have to do what we have to do," Mr Trump said, after saying he hopes the US doesn't have to take drastic measures with Iran.
Mr Macron is now saying that he informed Mr Trump about the Iranian foreign minister's visit to the G7 before a decision was made.
Mr Trump had also said he knew all along that the meeting was planned.
Mr Macro said that the visit by Iran's foreign minister to the G7 was a "French initiative", but that Mr Trump had been informed.
Mr Trump says he has "very good feelings about it", referring to a potential discussion between the US and Iran over nuclear proliferation.
"I actually had friends years ago, many years ago," Mr Trump says, before telling a story about Iranian real estate developers.
"It's a country with tremendous potential," Mr Trump says.
He notes he also believes the same about North Korea.
"He is a man with a country that has tremendous potential. You're in between China, Russia, and South Korea," Mr Trump says of North Korean leader Kim Jong Un.
"I think North Korea has tremendous economic potential," he says.
"With respect to Iran, same thing. Iran has incredible people, and incredible country, potentially," he says.
Mr Trump claims they brought "plane loads" of "Boeing 757s" of "cash" into Iran after the JCPOA.
Mr Trump is being asked about giving up on his plan to sanction French wines.
"I can confirm that the first lady loved your french wine. Alright? She loved your french wine," Mr Trump says, ignoring the question.
The two leaders are now splitting up for their own press conferences.
"Only if its a fair deal and a good deal for the United States, otherwise I will not make a deal," Mr Trump says of a potential trade deal with China.
He says he believes the US and China will ultimately figure out a good deal, and once again claims China has been siphoning off billions from the US.
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