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Donald Trump on Emmanuel Macron

Contentious ally (strong) Flip

Donald Trump's relationship with French President Emmanuel Macron is characterized by public disagreements and private communication, often shifting between apparent camaraderie and sharp criticism. Trump has publicly attacked Macron on several occasions, including threatening tariffs on French goods and mocking his political standing, particularly when they disagree on foreign policy matters. However, Trump has also referred to Macron as a "very special man" and noted France as America's "oldest ally," suggesting a complex dynamic where both diplomatic courtesy and personal rivalry coexist.

Context

The relationship between Donald Trump and Emmanuel Macron is significant as they led two major NATO powers who came into office in 2017, marking an era of shifting transatlantic alliances. Macron once attempted to position himself as a "Trump whisperer," using charm to manage Trump's unpredictable foreign policy style, contrasting with other more openly critical European leaders. However, their relationship has been frequently strained by fundamental disagreements on global issues, notably Trump's "America First" approach versus Macron's multilateralist stance.

Timeline

  1. President Trump hosted Macron at the White House following his second inauguration, calling the meeting an "important step" toward ending the Russia-Ukraine war.
  2. Trump publicly accused Macron of "publicity seeking" after Macron described Trump's early departure from the G7 summit as being for work on an Israel-Iran ceasefire, with Trump asserting, "Emmanuel always gets it wrong."
  3. Following a dispute over Trump's ambition to control Greenland, Trump posted screenshots of private texts from Macron expressing confusion over Trump's Greenland stance and threatening 200 percent tariffs on French wine and champagne.

Actions Taken

  1. Trade Threat
    Threatened 200 percent tariffs on French wine and champagne following disagreements on international matters and Macron's refusal to join Trump's "Gaza Board of Peace."
  2. Diplomatic Engagement
    Held a bilateral meeting and news conference to discuss the Russia-Ukraine war and trade deals, calling Macron a "very special man."

Key Quotes

"Publicity seeking President Emmanuel Macron, of France, mistakenly said that I left the G7 Summit, in Canada, to go back to DC to work on a 'cease fire' between Israel and Iran. Wrong! He has no idea why I am now on my way to Washington... Much bigger than that. Stay tuned!"

Truth Social post June 17, 2025 — Responding to Macron's description of his G7 departure.

"Nobody wants him because he's going to be out of office very soon,"

Comment to reporters January 20, 2026 — Commenting on Macron amid the Greenland dispute before Davos.

"France is America's oldest ally, our cherished partnership has been a force for freedom, prosperity and peace from the very beginning,"

Bilateral meeting news conference February 24, 2025 — Speaking alongside Macron at the White House.

Comparison

  • Greenland: Trump appeared determined to pursue U.S. control over Greenland, a move Macron criticized as contrary to allied behavior, leading Trump to publicly share private texts about the dispute.
  • G7 Narrative: Macron framed Trump's early G7 departure as being related to an Israel-Iran ceasefire effort, which Trump publicly refuted as "publicity seeking" and factually incorrect.