Trump comes face to face with the targets of his ire at G7

Donald Trump is used to flattery, but this year's G7 summit could produce some frank discussions. (Reuters: Christian Hartmann/Pool)

As Donald Trump flew over the French Alps towards the G7 summit this week, the postcard-like sun-drenched scene around him may have disguised a brewing storm.

The stream of world leaders rushing to the Oval Office to praise Trump and shower him with gifts is so last year.

In Évian-les-Bains this week, the US president has found himself among a group of emboldened counterparts, many of whom now seem comfortable criticising him publicly.

In fact, these days their popularity among voters at home often rises when they do.

How the new dynamic plays out this week is one of the most complex variables of this year's summit.

Germany's Chancellor Friedrich Merz and Donald Trump make a point to each other at the summit on Tuesday. (Reuters: Christian Hartmann/Pool)

The G7 comprises Canada, Italy, France, Germany, the US, United Kingdom, Japan and the European Union.

Leaders convene annually for in-person talks. Guest nations, including Australia, often participate too, although Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has not been invited this time.

Ideologically, the G7 leaders are a diverse bunch. But most have something in common: being the target of Trump's ire during his second term.

The US president's wrath has most recently stemmed from other nations' reluctance to join his war in Iran.

This week's summit is the first time the leaders have all met face-to-face since the US and Israel launched their attacks on Tehran, a move that has strangled oil markets, sparked panic on global financial markets and geopolitical uncertainty.

Keir Starmer, left, Donald Trump, Kenya's President William Ruto, Emmanuel Macron and Japan's Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi pose for a snap at the summit on Tuesday. (Reuters: Christian Hartmann)

When British Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer refused to let US warplanes use British bases to attack Iran in March, Trump unloaded on his country's long-time ally, describing Sir Keir as "not Winston Churchill".

The US president in April said Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni lacked courage for not joining his war.

Later that month, after German Chancellor Friedrich Merz said the US was being "humiliated by the Iranian leadership", Trump announced he would withdraw 5,000 troops stationed in the country.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, with whom Trump has a famously strained relationship, is also attending this year's gathering, and met Trump and Secretary of State Marco Rubio on the sidelines o