French President Emmanuel Macron is increasingly diverging from President Trump’s foreign policy on global issues ranging from Gaza to Greenland, despite Trump’s dismissal of the significance of Macron’s gestures, such as his intention to recognize a Palestinian state.
According to Alan Mendoza of the Henry Jackson Society, French presidents have historically positioned themselves as a counterbalance to U.S. foreign policy, a tradition dating back to Charles de Gaulle.
De Gaulle, France’s leader during the 1950s and 60s, resisted U.S. dominance, withdrawing France from NATO’s military command and criticizing U.S. policies in Eastern Europe and Vietnam.
Mendoza notes that such defiance has been a defining characteristic of the French Fifth Republic, with prominent figures asserting their views on the world stage.
However, Mendoza argues that France’s global influence has diminished in the last 60 years due to a weaker economy and military, resulting in a less impactful presence than in de Gaulle’s time.
Mendoza suggests that Macron’s actions, once a display of French strength, now appear to be a desperate attempt to remain relevant.
Macron recently announced France’s intention to recognize a Palestinian state at the UN General Assembly in September, even as conflict continues between Palestinian groups and Israel.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu condemned the move as rewarding terror.
An official from criticized the decision as reckless and insensitive to the victims of October 7th, emphasizing the U.S.’s strong rejection of the plan.
Trump downplayed Macron’s Gaza initiative, stating that his statements “doesn’t carry weight.”
Trump has previously dismissed Macron’s importance.
Last month, after speculated about Trump’s early departure from the G7 summit, Trump stated on Truth Social that Macron’s assumptions were incorrect and accused him of seeking publicity.
These comments followed Macron’s disagreement with Trump’s foreign policy when he stopped in Greenland, a territory Trump expressed interest in acquiring, on his way to the summit.
Macron asserted that Greenland was not for sale and emphasized the importance of Denmark and Europe’s commitment to the territory, highlighting its strategic significance and the need to respect its territorial integrity.
During Macron’s visit to the White House in February, tensions surrounding the U.S. approach to the Russia-Ukraine war were apparent despite the seemingly cordial atmosphere.
The U.S. voted against a UN resolution drafted by Ukraine and the EU condemning Russia’s invasion shortly before the meeting.
Mendoza believes that the tensions between Macron and Trump are rooted in Macron’s desire for relevance and his inclination to be contrarian.
Reuel Marc Gerecht of the Foundation for Defense of Democracies suggests that Macron’s stance is typical of European leaders who view Trump as a disruptive force with a transactional approach to America’s relationship with Europe.
Gerecht adds that Macron, like many French leaders, defines himself in opposition to the U.S., highlighting the historical competition between France and America’s global influence.
Gerecht concludes that Macron, as a member of the French elite, possesses qualities that are nearly opposite to those of Trump.
“`