US president Donald Trump has said he is planning to host G7 leaders at the Camp David presidential retreat near Washington for their annual summit, rather than by video-conference, as a sign of “normalization” as advanced economies take steps to lift coronavirus restrictions. 

“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,” Mr Trump wrote in a tweet on Wednesday. “The other members are also beginning their COMEBACK. It would be a great sign to all – normalization!”. 

The announcement from Mr Trump follows a call among G7 finance ministers – led by US Treasury secretary Steven Mnuchin on Tuesday – that included a discussion of steps that advanced economies were taking to reopen their economies in the wake of the shutdowns triggered by the coronavirus pandemic. The summit is due to take place between June 10 and June 12.