President Trump is hoping to resurrect plans to host G-7 leaders at Camp David for their annual summit next month as a symbol of “normalization.”
The announcement, made by tweet, marked the latest effort by the president to signal that an economy battered by the coronavirus pandemic and emergency restrictions is getting back to business.
In March, he was forced to cancel the gathering, due to be held in mid-June at the presidential retreat in Maryland, in favor of video conferences.
“Now that our country is ‘Transitioning back to Greatness,’ I am considering rescheduling the G-7, on the same or similar date, in Washington, D.C., at the legendary Camp David,” he wrote. “The other members are also beginning their COMEBACK. It would be a great sign to all – normalization!”
The Trump administration has been accused of failing to show global leadership during the pandemic response. Hosting leaders of the world’s most powerful economies would provide Trump with a riposte to critics and a powerful platform in an election year.
However, logistical barriers remain.
The United States has closed off most travel from Europe. And the Washington metro area remains under strict social distancing measures which are not expected to be lifted before next month.
A senior administration official said delegations would probably be asked to jettison all but essential personnel.
The president’s press secretary declined to discuss the mechanics of how a summit would be organized under such difficult conditions.
“I would note that the president really wants to see the G-7 happen here in Washington as we begin not just to open the country but as the world begins to reopen,” said Kayleigh McEnany, adding that he wanted it to be in June, but that a date had not yet been set.
She also declined to discuss which world leaders had responded to the invitations.
The White House said Trump discussed the G-7 with President Emmanuel Macron of France.
“President Trump expressed that the United States looks forward to convening the G-7 soon,” said an official.
According to the Associated Press, Macron’s office later said in a statement that “given the importance of the G-7 in the response to the crisis, the president is willing to go to Camp David, if the health conditions allow it.”
