Trump hits out at Macron days after France visit
American president Donald Trump has hit out at France and President Macron, criticising the idea of a European Army, denouncing Mr Macron’s approval rating, and calling French wine tariffs “not fair”.
In a series of tweets, the US leader appeared to lash out at the idea of a European army - which Mr Macron and German Chancellor Angela Merkel recently suggested could be a good idea “one day” - and demanded that France “pay for NATO”.
The comments come just days after Mr Trump visited Mr Macron at the Élysée Palace in Paris on the occasion of the First World War Armistice 100 year commemorations, and called the French leader “a good friend”, with whom he shares “similar views”.
Mr Trump also said: “We want a strong Europe; it’s very important to us.”
In a further tweet, the Mr Trump criticised Mr Macron’s “low approval rating” and said “there is no country more Nationalist than France...rightfully so”, in a reference to Mr Macron’s speech at the weekend on the difference between patriotism and nationalism.
Mr Macron had said “nationalism is a betrayal of patriotism” in his speech at the Arc de Triomphe on November 11.
In a separate tweet, Mr Trump admitted that “France makes excellent wine”, but said that “France makes it very hard for the US to sell its wines in France”.
He called French wine tariffs “not fair” and said they “must change”.
French commentators reacted with bemusement over the comments, with far-right politician Gilbert Collard saying that Trump was “absolutely right” to attack Mr Macron, but “absolutely wrong” about French wine.
In a statement, the Élysée said: “The relationship between Emmanuel Macron and Donald Trump is not always easy, but it does continue. The link between the two presidents exists. Beyond the tweets, what is most important is that they speak several times per week, and consider subjects that affect the world.”
One tweet in response called on Mr Trump to “get a grip”.
