U.S. President Donald Trump speaks during a FIFA task force meeting on the 2026 FIFA World Cup in the East Room of the White House, Tuesday, May 6, 2025, in Washington. While speaking to reporters at the event, Trump said former prime minister Justin Trudeau 'headed' the decision to remove Russia from the G8, however it was Stephen Harper who was prime minister at the time Russia was removed from the informal political group. THE CANADIAN PRESS/AP-Mark Schiefelbein
U.S. President Donald Trump speaks during a FIFA task force meeting on the 2026 FIFA World Cup in the East Room of the White House, Tuesday, May 6, 2025, in Washington. While speaking to reporters at the event, Trump said former prime minister Justin Trudeau 'headed' the decision to remove Russia from the G8, however it was Stephen Harper who was prime minister at the time Russia was removed from the informal political group. THE CANADIAN PRESS/AP-Mark Schiefelbein
In 2014, seven G8 member nations refused to convene with Russia as a group after its annexation of Crimea. Speaking to reporters at the White House on Tuesday, U.S. President Donald Trump claimed former prime minister Justin Trudeau "headed" the decision to remove Russia from the G8. This is false. Trudeau took office as prime minister more than a year after the seven member countries voiced their opposition to Russia and refused to attend that year's summit, resulting in the group's current version as the G7.Â
THE CLAIM
During a on Tuesday, a reporter asked U.S. President Donald Trump if he would invite Russia back to the G7 when the United States becomes host country under the group's annual rotating presidency.Â
In his response, Trump criticized the decision by G7 member countries to push Russia out of the G8 and said former prime minister Justin Trudeau and former U.S. president Barack Obama "headed" the decision.Â
"They were the ones that really fought hard to get Russia out," he said.Â
RATING: FalseÂ
The G7, or Group of Seven, is an informal political group including Canada, the United States, France, the United Kingdom, Italy, Japan and Germany.Â
It used to be known as the G8 when Russia was a member.Â
However, Russia's annexation of Crimea in 2014 prompted the other seven member countries, the president of the European Council and the president of the European Commission to condemning the action.Â
The seven countries said they wouldn't participate in the planned G8 summit in Sochi, Russia, but would instead meet in Brussels, Belgium as the G7 that June.
"We will suspend our participation in the G-8 until Russia changes course and the environment comes back to where the G-8 is able to have a meaningful discussion," reads the declaration dated March 2014.Â
In 2017, Russia the group.Â
Justin Trudeau and was not involved with the declaration.Â
Then-prime minister Stephen Harper was a vocal critic of Russia during its participation in the G8 even before it annexed Crimea.
Harper compared with the other seven member nations ahead of the G8 summit in 2013, saying, "This is G7 plus one."
After the annexation, Harper to visit Kyiv’s Independence Square in Ukraine.Â
When asked whether Russia should be kicked out of the G8 permanently, Harper said, "I don't think it takes much imagination to figure out what my view is, but I will certainly listen to what our partners in the G7 have to say before we arrive at final decisions.â€
During the press conference on Tuesday, Trump suggested Russia's removal from the G8 contributed to the Russia-Ukraine war, calling it a "foolish decision."
However, Trump also said he would not push to invite Russia back.Â
"No … I think it's not good timing," he said.Â
Canada holds the G7 presidency this year and will host the other member nations at a summit in Kananaskis, Alta. in June.Â
³§°¿±«¸é°ä·¡³§Ìý
WATCH LIVE: President Trump Holds Meeting Of FIFA Task Force At The White House. Forbes Breaking News, on . May 7, 2025 (, )
About the G7. G7 Kananaskis web page via Government of Canada . Accessed May 7, 2025 ()Ìý
How Russia's grab of Crimea 10 years ago led to war with Ukraine and rising tensions with the West. ¹ú²úÓÕ»ó¸£Àû website. March 18, 2024 ()
The Hague Declaration. Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan . March 24, 2014 ()Ìý
Tom Batchelor. Russia announces plan to permanently leave G8 group of industrialised nations after suspension for Crimea annexation. The Independent . Jan. 13, 2017 ()
Roles - Right Hon. Justin Trudeau. House of Commons . Accessed May 7, 2025 ()
Harper at odds with Russia over Syria as G8 leaders meet. The Canadian Pres via CBC News . June 17, 2013 ()
Corinne Ton That and Christina Commisso. In Kyiv, Harper calls for 'complete reversal' of Crimea annexation. CTV News . March 22, 2014 ()Ìý
ABOUT CANADIAN PRESS FACT CHECKS
You can find out more about ¹ú²úÓÕ»ó¸£Àû here and about Canadian Press Fact Checks here. To reach our fact-checking team with any tips, corrections or comments, please email us at cpfactcheck@thecanadianpress.com.
