Trump to skip G7 meeting, questions NATO’s value to U.S.

U.S. President Donald Trump said on Tuesday that he will not attend the emergency G7 summit called by French President Emmanuel Macron.

The announcement came during a White House press conference marking the first anniversary of his second presidential term, shortly before his departure for the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland. Trump justified the decision to skip the summit by citing a schedule crowded with meetings in Davos, particularly those concerning the future of Greenland.

“I have meetings with the people directly involved” in this issue, Trump stated amid escalating tensions with European leaders. The friction follows his threats to impose additional tariffs on several European nations unless an agreement is reached for a United States acquisition of Greenland.

Speaking about the French President, Trump said: “He’s a friend of mine. He’s a nice guy. I like Macron, but he’s not going to be there for a long time, as you know,” noting that Macron’s term ends in 2027.

During the press conference, Trump also questioned the ability of NATO allies to assist in the defense of the United States. “My biggest concern regarding NATO is that we have spent vast sums on NATO, and I know we will come to their rescue, but I really question whether they would come to ours,” he said. Trump emphasized that the United States needs Greenland for its national security. When asked about his readiness to move forward regarding Greenland, he replied: “You’ll see.