United States President Donald Trump has taken a swipe at Emmanuel Macron, mocking the French leader and making a controversial personal remark about his wife, Brigitte Macron, while criticising NATO allies over their response to the ongoing war involving Iran.
Speaking during a private lunch, Trump suggested that the United States had reached out to France for support in the conflict but did not receive the response he expected. He claimed he personally asked Macron to provide assistance in the Gulf, but said the French president declined.
Trump also used the moment to question the reliability of NATO, describing the alliance as ineffective in times of major conflict. According to him, the situation has raised doubts about whether member countries would truly support one another when it matters most.
In response, Macron appeared to push back—without mentioning Trump directly—during a visit to Japan. He stressed the importance of consistency and predictability in global affairs, noting that Europe remains committed to international norms, especially during periods of geopolitical tension.
France has maintained its position that it was neither consulted nor involved in the US-Israeli military actions against Iran, and therefore would not be participating in the conflict.
