Trump arrives in Singapore
Well, the G7 summit did not end all that well, with Pres. Trump singling out Canada's Trudeau (so far at least in his tweets).
Larry Kudlow said today that Trump had no choice but to not endorse the communique after Trudeau's comments that Canada would not be pushed around by the United States on trade. Trudeau also said that Canada would retaliate against United States tariffs on steel and aluminum.
Kudlow added:
- He stabbed us in the back
- We joined the communique in good faith
- You just don't behave that way. It's a betrayal
- Trump had every right to push back on this amateurish Trudeau scheme
- Mr. Trump is not going to let a Canadian prime minister push him around
- He is not going to permit any show of weakness on a trip to negotiate with North Korea.
There is a lot of disrespect, amateurish and backstabbing on both sides.
- Trump purposely arrived late. He didn't have to spend travel time talking about Muhammad Ali pardon (for which he does not need one), fake news, or throw out a bombshell that Russia should be a member of G7 (making it G8). That blew up the schedule, agenda and well, is just "amateurish".
- He left early, skipping discussions about climate change, oceans and clean energy. Does it have to be the Paris Accord? Maybe you talk about the changes you want.
- Of course as an excuse, he had an appointment with North Korea. Is that important? Of course. Did the White House have to schedule it for June 12th local Singapore time, half a world away from an important summit of "US allies"? Was it purposely done? How about having it on Thursday, so that responsibility to allies is complete.
So off to North Korea to negotiate with a dictator who suppresses his people for his own good and has threatened the world with his nuclear capabilities.
Meanwhile, the G7 is fragmented and "not peaceful".
Something to thing about...
PS. With the expectations lowered on North Korea (I hope in general denuclearization would be a given over time, but don't expect an agreement now), one key to me, will be if the 12 Japan detainees are talked about/released. That is an important symbolic gesture from the North Korea and for US/Japan relations. If there is no release, the 3 American's detainees released, is Kim Jong un playing the US. If there is no release, Pres. Trump has let down Japan again and shows Kim is really not changing his spots.
