Former US President Donald Trump has clarified his controversial comment made during the G7 summit, stating that he was merely joking and not attempting to assert dominance over other world leaders. The remark, which went viral on social media, sparked widespread backlash and criticism from political opponents and international figures.
Trump's Clarification
In a statement released on Sunday, Trump addressed the uproar, saying, "I was just joking. I have great respect for all the leaders at the G7. I was not trying to be the boss or anything like that." The clarification came after several leaders expressed discomfort with his tone during the summit.
Backlash from World Leaders
The original comment, made during a closed-door session, was perceived by some as an attempt to impose his will on fellow G7 members. French President Emmanuel Macron and German Chancellor Angela Merkel were reportedly among those who found the remark inappropriate. Macron's office declined to comment, while Merkel's spokesperson said the chancellor values respectful dialogue.
Viral Moment
Video clips of Trump's comment circulated widely on platforms like Twitter and YouTube, drawing millions of views. Critics accused him of undermining the spirit of multilateral cooperation that the G7 represents. Supporters, however, dismissed the outrage as overreaction and defended his direct style.
Political Reactions
Democratic leaders in the US seized on the incident to question Trump's diplomatic skills. Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer tweeted, "This is not how a leader behaves on the world stage." Meanwhile, Republican allies urged caution, with Senator Lindsey Graham noting that Trump's comments were often taken out of context.
Impact on G7 Relations
Despite the controversy, diplomats say the summit's substantive discussions on climate change, global health, and economic recovery proceeded without major disruption. A senior US official, speaking on condition of anonymity, said, "The president's clarification should help ease tensions. We are focused on the outcomes of the summit."
As the G7 concluded, leaders issued a joint communique covering key issues, though Trump's remarks remained a talking point. The former president's team expressed hope that the clarification would put the matter to rest and allow attention to return to policy achievements.
