For decades, the Group of 7 (G7) has brought together the world’s leading democracies to tackle major global challenges—conflicts, economic crises, climate change, and more. These summits are not just photo ops. They’re opportunities to show that the U.S. stands with its allies and leads with strength and principle.

But at this year's summit in Alberta, Canada, President Trump risks throwing that legacy away.

Rather than building consensus, Trump has attacked allies, threatened to annex the summit’s host country, and imposed harsh tariffs on close partners like Canada and the European Union. He’s refused to sign joint communiqués and has openly expressed admiration for authoritarian leaders like Vladimir Putin, while sowing doubt about America’s commitment to NATO and Ukraine.

This behavior doesn’t make America stronger—it isolates us. At a time when the world is facing dangerous instability—from Russia’s ongoing war in Ukraine to a growing conflict in the Middle East—we need allies more than ever.

We call on President Trump to use this G7 summit to reaffirm our alliances, not destroy them. That means standing shoulder-to-shoulder with democratic partners, recommitting to international cooperation, and choosing diplomacy over disruption.

The world needs American leadership. Our allies need to know we still believe in partnership and peace. And we, the American people, need to be heard—before it’s too late.

Photo: REUTERS