Two top world leaders are at odds.
French President Emmanuel Macron once believed he could guide, influence, and even control Donald Trump. Early in Trump’s first term, Macron privately told European leaders that he could “handle” the American president — flatter him, persuade him, and keep him aligned with Europe’s agenda.
For a brief moment, Macron thought he succeeded. Trump received a grand Bastille Day welcome in Paris. Both leaders exchanged compliments. Macron even marketed himself as Trump’s new “best friend” in Europe.
But that illusion didn’t last long.
What began as diplomatic charm quickly turned into a rivalry. Their relationship has always mixed friendly moments with sharp disagreements — and now, Macron is openly moving Europe in a direction that clashes with Trump’s America First agenda.
Macron’s ‘Europe First’ Agenda Directly Collides With Trump’s America First Policy
As President Trump restores America’s sovereignty, Macron is trying to lead Europe away from U.S. influence. His actions show a clear pattern: challenge Trump, distance Europe from Washington, and elevate himself as the continent’s power broker.
Here are the most significant moves Macron has recently made:
1. Macron Travels to South Africa While the U.S. Boycotts the G-20
The Biden-era decision to skip the 2025 G-20 summit in South Africa was meant to send a message. Macron chose to send a different message — by showing up in Johannesburg in person.
His visit was widely viewed as a deliberate attempt to fill a “leadership vacuum” left by Washington.
2. Ukraine Snubs American Jets and Buys 100 French Rafales Instead
Despite receiving nearly $180 billion in U.S. military support, Ukraine turned around and purchased French fighter jets instead of American aircraft.
Former Rep. Mike Garcia, a Navy fighter pilot, summed it up: “After everything America has given Ukraine, Zelenskyy buys French jets. It’s a slap in the face to our country.”
This deal is a major blow to American defense manufacturers — and a win for Macron’s dream of a European-run military industry.
3. Macron Recognizes a Palestinian State — Defying U.S. Policy
Macron used the United Nations General Assembly to formally recognize a Palestinian state, ignoring U.S. objections.
President Trump blasted Macron’s decision, accusing him of “honoring Hamas.”
For many Americans, Macron’s move confirms what they’ve suspected for years: Europe’s political class is drifting further away from Washington’s leadership.
4. Macron Visits Greenland — A Direct Counter to Trump’s Strategic Interests
Macron’s trip to Greenland was widely interpreted as a symbolic middle finger to Trump’s long-held interest in the island’s strategic and mineral-rich value.
Trump has repeatedly highlighted Greenland’s natural resources and its importance to Arctic defense.
Macron’s visit was designed to signal: “Europe, not America, calls the shots here.”
Macron Wants to Lead Europe — But He Faces Major Problems
Foreign policy analysts say Macron sees himself as the future “defense leader” of Europe. He wants Europe to buy fewer American weapons and rely more on French and EU manufacturers.
But the reality is much different:
- Germany is on track to outspend France in defense by 2029
- The EU leadership structure is more collective than Macron admits
- Macron’s political party is in trouble, weakening his authority
- Europe still depends on U.S. military power for security
Liana Fix of the Council on Foreign Relations noted that Macron often exaggerates France’s capabilities. Europe may support the idea of independence — but it simply doesn’t have the firepower to back it up.
Trump vs. Macron: A Relationship Built on Charm and Clashes
The Trump-Macron relationship is a blend of friendly gestures and blunt disagreements.
Trump has repeatedly pushed France to stop exploiting American tariffs, contribute more to NATO, and stop free-riding off U.S. defense spending.
When asked about his view of France, Trump joked: “I get along with the world — not the French, though.”
Even small interactions show the tension. During the U.N. General Assembly, Macron called Trump from a New York sidewalk to complain that Trump’s motorcade caused traffic delays. The French embassy later joined the online banter.
White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt says the relationship is still “strong,” but acknowledged Trump openly calls out disagreements with Macron.
Europe Knows Trump Was Right: It Must Pay Its Own Way
One of Trump’s biggest accomplishments was exposing Europe’s dependency on the United States. Even Macron now admits that Europe must invest more in its own defense — something Trump demanded for years.
Across Europe, a growing number of leaders privately say the same thing:
Trump’s warnings were correct. Europe cannot freeload off American taxpayers forever.
Bottom Line: Macron Wants Power. Trump Wants Results.
Macron continues to walk a thin line — flattering Trump one moment, challenging him the next. He wants to position Europe as a global power equal to the United States.
But despite Macron’s ambitions, the facts remain:
- America sets the global tone
- Europe follows America’s lead
- Trump won’t let foreign leaders dictate U.S. policy
Macron may want to be the face of Europe, but Trump is making it clear: America comes first — and those who undermine U.S. interests will not be treated as allies.
