Former President Donald Trump is once again at the center of global controversy after departing early from the G7 summit in Canada and issuing what many are calling an erratic and inflammatory series of statements regarding Iran and the ongoing conflict in the Middle East.

The annual summit, attended by leaders of the world’s largest advanced economies — the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, France, Germany, Italy, and Japan — is typically a stage for global cooperation on pressing issues such as security, climate policy, and economic growth. But Trump’s unexpected exit on June 16 and the volatile social media messages that followed have overshadowed the event’s core agenda.

Sudden Departure, Vague Explanation

Trump left the summit in Quebec one day earlier than planned, skipping key meetings including the release of a unified joint statement on the situation in Gaza and Iran. His departure came shortly after a private dinner with other heads of state.

White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt gave a brief explanation, stating on X (formerly Twitter): “Much was accomplished, but because of what’s going on in the Middle East, President Trump will be leaving tonight after dinner.”

Trump echoed this sentiment, telling reporters, “I wish I could stay until tomorrow, but they understand, this is big stuff.” He insisted he had informed Canada’s Prime Minister and summit host, Mark Carney, and downplayed concerns that his early exit would affect summit outcomes.

However, his absence from final discussions — including a statement urging restraint and calling for a ceasefire in Gaza — raised eyebrows. Though the U.S. did sign on to the final communique, Trump’s post-summit messaging told a different story.

Escalating Rhetoric Online

Upon returning to Washington, Trump turned to Truth Social to issue a series of provocative statements about Iran and the ongoing military activity involving Israel.

In one of the more shocking posts, he warned civilians in Tehran to evacuate, referencing Israel’s strikes on Iranian military and nuclear sites which began earlier in the week. While the United States has not officially taken part in the strikes, Trump’s tone suggested a level of coordination or support that the Biden administration has not confirmed.

Then came a post that targeted French President Emmanuel Macron, who had reportedly implied that Trump left the G7 to engage in ceasefire negotiations.

“Publicity-seeking President Emmanuel Macron, of France, mistakenly said that I left the G7 Summit, in Canada, to go back to D.C. to work on a ‘cease fire’ between Israel and Iran. Wrong!” Trump wrote. “He has no idea why I am now on my way to Washington, but it certainly has nothing to do with a Cease Fire. Much bigger than that. Whether purposely or not, Emmanuel always gets it wrong. Stay Tuned!”

The comment drew widespread backlash from both foreign policy experts and everyday users online. Many accused Trump of undermining diplomacy and insulting an allied leader during a moment of global crisis.

“Bigger Than a Ceasefire”?

Critics and commentators were quick to question what could possibly be “bigger” than preventing further bloodshed in the Middle East. Trump, however, remained vague about his intentions, saying before leaving the summit, “Iran wants to make a deal. And as soon as I leave here, we’re going to be doing something. But I have to leave here.”

That “something” remains unclear. Whatever negotiations Trump hinted at do not appear to have materialized, and subsequent posts offered no details, only further bombastic statements.

In another post after arriving back in Washington, Trump wrote: “Iran should have signed the ‘deal’ I told them to sign. What a shame, and waste of human life. Simply stated, IRAN CAN NOT HAVE A NUCLEAR WEAPON. I said it over and over again! Everyone should immediately evacuate Tehran!”

The message alarmed analysts, who saw it as a potential green light for further escalation in the region — possibly even suggesting imminent military action.

Domestic and Global Response

The reaction to Trump’s behavior was swift and intense. Political opponents labeled his tone “unhinged,” “reckless,” and “deeply unpresidential.” Social media lit up with critiques from both international observers and disillusioned former supporters.

“Insulting allies, ramping up war rhetoric, and offering no clear plan — we’ve seen this show before,” wrote one user on X.

Others questioned Trump’s judgment and fitness for leadership. “A real leader doesn’t tweet threats while the world teeters on the edge of war,” posted a former U.S. ambassador anonymously.

In diplomatic circles, Trump’s rhetoric added tension to already strained talks between world powers and Iran, particularly as the P5+1 nations — the U.S., U.K., France, Germany, Russia, and China — continue working to rein in Iran’s nuclear ambitions through renewed negotiations.

Conclusion

Trump’s early departure from the G7 and his subsequent online tirades have done little to clarify America’s role in the ongoing Middle East conflict. Instead, they’ve fueled uncertainty, undermined international cooperation, and reignited concerns about the former president’s approach to foreign policy.

At a time when careful diplomacy is needed more than ever, Trump’s brand of blunt-force messaging has again left allies unsettled and critics questioning whether his political strategy is now defined more by chaos than clarity.