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Trump adviser dismisses McCain criticism on G-7

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White House economic adviser Larry Kudlow on Sunday dismissed Sen. John McCain’s (R-Ariz.) criticism of President Trump’s actions at the Group of Seven (G-7) summit, saying Trump is aligned with McCain’s views on trade. 

“President Trump is essentially doing what John McCain wanted to do with respect to free trade,” Kudlow said on CNN’s “State of the Union.” 

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“President Trump made it clear time and again that he wants to reinstitute a process of free trade, no tariffs, no tariff barriers, no quotas and subsidies. He was actually consistent during this entire trip,” he continued.

Kudlow’s comments came after McCain issued a harsh rebuke of Trump’s actions at this weekend’s G-7 summit in Quebec, Canada.

“To our allies: bipartisan majorities of Americans remain pro-free trade, pro-globalization & supportive of alliances based on 70 years of shared values,” McCain tweeted late Saturday.

“Americans stand with you, even if our president doesn’t,” the senator added.

Tensions flared between the U.S. and its closest allies after Trump’s appearance at the G-7 summit. 

The president prompted concerns of a trade war after doubling down on his decision to impose steep tariffs on steel and aluminum imports. Canada, Mexico and European countries have vowed to implement retaliatory tariffs. 

In addition, Trump suggested readmitting Russia to the G-7, despite its expulsion after it annexed Crimea from Ukraine. The idea did not gain much traction with other G-7 members.

After he departed for Singapore, Trump lashed out at Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, calling him “dishonest & weak” for saying Canada would “not be pushed around” and would institute retaliatory tariffs.

Trump added that he would not endorse a joint statement that is typically issued by all participants in the G-7 meetings.

Tags Donald Trump John McCain

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