Fact Check: "Trump calls Russia's G8 expulsion a 'mistake' amid Ukraine war."
What We Know
On June 16, 2025, during the G7 summit in Canada, former President Donald Trump publicly criticized the decision to expel Russia from the G8, calling it a "very big mistake." He argued that had Russia remained a member, the ongoing conflict in Ukraine might not have occurred. Trump specifically blamed former President Barack Obama and former Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau for this decision, stating, "You wouldn't have a war right now if you had Russia" in the group (Fox News, New York Times).
Russia was expelled from the G8 in 2014 following its annexation of Crimea, an action widely condemned by Western nations and seen as a violation of international law (HuffPost).
Analysis
Trump's assertion that Russia's removal from the G8 was a "very big mistake" is a subjective opinion rather than an objective fact. His comments reflect a broader narrative he has maintained regarding international relations and the role of diplomacy. Critics of Trump's view argue that Russia's actions in Ukraine were aggressive and warranted expulsion from the G8 to signal disapproval of its behavior (Sky News).
The reliability of sources reporting on Trump's statements varies. Fox News and the New York Times are generally considered credible news outlets, though they may have different editorial slants. The HuffPost also provides a factual account of the events surrounding Trump's comments. However, it is essential to note that Trump's statements often reflect his political positioning and may not align with the consensus of international relations experts, who argue that Russia's expulsion was a necessary response to its military actions (HuffPost).
Conclusion
The claim that Trump called Russia's G8 expulsion a "mistake" is True. He explicitly stated this during the G7 summit, attributing the ongoing war in Ukraine to the decision made in 2014. While his comments reflect a particular viewpoint, they are accurately reported and verifiable through multiple credible sources.
