Trump continues with personal attacks on other world leaders: Emmanuel Macron at receiving end now

US President Donald Trump stated on Tuesday that his premature departure from the Group of Seven (G7) summit is unrelated to the Israel-Iran conflict. This clarification followed French President Emmanuel Macron's assertion that the US leader was contemplating a ceasefire between Tehran and Jerusalem, as the lethal conflict between the two adversaries reached its fifth day.

Trump said that his significant exit had "nothing to do" with efforts to establish a ceasefire between Israel and Iran, further asserting that France's leader, Emmanuel Macron, was "wrong" in his characterisation of the departure.

"Publicity seeking President Emmanuel Macron, of France, mistakenly said that I left the G7 Summit, in Canada, to go back to DC to work on a 'cease fire' between Israel and Iran," Trump wrote on his Truth Social platform.

"Wrong! 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!"

( @realDonaldTrump - Truth Social Post )
( Donald J. Trump - Jun 17, 2025, 1:15 AM ET )

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! He… pic.twitter.com/zWOlA2EsNU

— Donald J. Trump 🇺🇸 TRUTH POSTS (@TruthTrumpPosts) June 17, 2025

Earlier, while addressing reporters at the G7 summit in Canada, Macron expressed his belief that the situation in the Middle East would not change shortly, but "since the US assured they will find a ceasefire and since they can pressure Israel, things may change".

Describing Trump's abrupt departure from the G7 summit as a favourable occurrence, the French President stated, "Right now I believe negotiations need to restart and that civilians need to be protected."

Macron further urged both Israel and Iran to "end" their attacks on civilians, asserting, "All who have thought that by bombing from the outside you can save a country in spite of itself have always been mistaken."

Trump's early exit from G7

On Tuesday, Trump made a swift exit from the Group of Seven (G7) summit, hinting at increased involvement in the Israel-Iran conflict and advising residents of Tehran to evacuate. The US President, who has lauded Israel's military actions despite his professed preference for diplomatic solutions, remarked that Iran would be "foolish" not to pursue a negotiated settlement.

"It's painful for both parties, but I'd say Iran is not winning this war, and they should talk, and they should talk immediately, before it's too late," Trump informed reporters before he left Canada.

A White House spokesman insisted that US forces in the Middle East continue to maintain a defensive posture.

Israel-Iran conflict, stand of G7

A significant conflict erupted in the Middle East following Israel's attacks on nuclear and military facilities in Iran, resulting in the deaths of Tehran's prominent commanders and nuclear scientists. In retaliation, Iran launched its series of drone and missile strikes against Israel.

Canadian and European leaders had aimed to formulate a G7 statement regarding the crisis; however, diplomats indicated that Trump had not committed the United States to participating in it.

The leaders of the group of industrialised democracies -- Britain, Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, and the United States -- have largely supported Israel. Yet, concerns have escalated as the violence continues to intensify.

Not first time Trump named, shamed another world leader

On several occasions, Trump has insulted other world leaders. But there is a pattern of behaviour that can provide context for an informed estimate. At the 2019 G-7 Summit, too, he had threatened tariffs on French wine in response to France’s digital services tax, indirectly criticising Macron, though not explicitly naming him in the insult.

1. 2018 G-7 Summit (Canada):

   • Trump accused then-Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau of being “dishonest & weak” after Trudeau criticised U.S. tariffs, retracting U.S. support for the summit’s joint communiqué.

   • Tensions with German Chancellor Angela Merkel were evident, captured in an iconic photo where she appeared to confront Trump, though no specific verbal insult was quoted.

2. 2019 G-7 Summit (France):

   • Trump threatened tariffs on French wine in response to France’s digital services tax, indirectly criticising Macron, though not explicitly naming him in the insult.

   • He reiterated his frustration with Trudeau, referencing the 2018 summit.

3. General behaviour toward allies:

   • Trump has a history of insulting allies, as noted in 2019 when he claimed, “Our allies take advantage of us far greater than our enemies,” targeting G-7 nations broadly.

   • He suggested Russia’s reinstatement to the G-7, implicitly criticising leaders who supported Russia’s 2014 expulsion, including Merkel and Trudeau.

   • In 2025, Trump’s threats to annexe Canada and impose tariffs on G-7 nations like Japan, Germany, and France strained relations, though specific insults were not always named.

4. Other leaders:

   • Trump reportedly jabbed at Trudeau during a 2018 phone call, accusing Canada of burning down the White House (referencing the War of 1812), a provocative remark.

   • He criticised Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelenskyy in an Oval Office meeting, though specific insults were not detailed.

   • South African President Cyril Ramaphosa also faced Trump’s “hair dryer treatment” in the Oval Office, implying harsh criticism.

5. 2025 G-7 Summit context:

   • At the 2025 G-7 Summit, Trump criticised Macron for claiming Trump was working on a ceasefire proposal for the Israel-Iran conflict, posting on social media, “Wrong! He has no idea why I am now on my way to Washington, but it certainly has nothing to do with a ceasefire.” This suggests a direct insult, naming Macron and dismissing his statement.

   • No specific insults targeting other leaders at this summit are detailed before the Macron criticism, though Trump’s early departure and tariff disputes created tension.

Estimating count

• Documented Instances: The references explicitly mention insults or criticisms naming:

  • Justin Trudeau (2018, reiterated in 2019, and 2018 phone call): ~3 instances.

  • Angela Merkel (implicit criticism via Russia reinstatement and 2018 summit tensions): ~1-2 instances.

  • Volodymyr Zelenskyy and Cyril Ramaphosa (Oval Office criticisms): ~2 instances.

  • General G-7 leaders (2019 “allies take advantage” comment): ~1 broad instance.

• Total named insults: Approximately 7-8 specific instances are inferable from the references, though not all are tied to explicit “wrong” or “dislike” statements.

• Undocumented instances: Trump’s first term (2017-2021) and second term (2025) likely included additional off-the-record or social media criticisms not captured in the references. His pattern of targeting allies, especially over trade and NATO, suggests more instances, potentially doubling the count to 10-15, but this is speculative without primary sources like Trump’s social media archives.

Trump’s insults are often delivered via social media, press conferences, or private meetings, making an exact count challenging without a comprehensive analysis of his communications. Many criticisms (e.g., tariffs, NATO spending demands) target nations rather than individuals, which may not fit the question’s criteria of naming leaders. The lack of a joint communiqué in 2025 suggests leaders avoided public clashes, potentially reducing named insults at this summit.

Trump is documented to have insulted or criticised named world leaders approximately 7-8 times by stating they were wrong or expressing dislike before his criticism of Emmanuel Macron at the 2025 G-7 Summit. This includes notable instances against Justin Trudeau, Angela Merkel, Volodymyr Zelenskyy and Cyril Ramaphosa, primarily during his first term.

However, the true number could be higher, perhaps 10-15, factoring in unrecorded or less-documented remarks, though this cannot be confirmed without further evidence.