In a pointed rebuke at the World Economic Forum in Davos, French President Emmanuel Macron dismissed the idea of Europe responding to American tariff threats with equal aggression as sheer ‘madness.’ Speaking on January 20, Macron addressed escalating tensions sparked by U.S. President Donald Trump’s provocative suggestions, including his infamous proposal to purchase Greenland and recent leaks of private messages criticizing the French leader.
Macron emphasized that no nation has the right to encroach on another’s sovereignty, urging the European Union to stand united against such overreach. ‘Thinking that the EU should retaliate against unfounded U.S. aggression with tariffs is pure insanity,’ he declared during a question-and-answer session. He rejected any notion of ‘new colonialism’ or empire-building, calling it a dangerous distraction from pressing global priorities like economic growth, peace, and climate action.
The spat highlights deepening cracks in transatlantic relations. Trump had taken to Truth Social just a day earlier, publicly airing private communications with Macron, fueling debates over tariffs, Greenland’s security, and adherence to international norms. Macron lamented the shift, stating, ‘Imposing tariffs on allies and issuing further threats is not wise. It’s regrettable and stems from unwarranted hostility.’
Shifting focus to Europe’s role, Macron acknowledged the continent’s occasional sluggishness but praised its reliability. ‘Europe may be slow at times, but it’s dependable—where rules are laws, not whims,’ he said. He advocated for a stronger, more self-reliant EU to correct global imbalances, while touching on broader agendas like simplifying regulations and supporting Ukraine.
As world leaders gather in Davos, Macron’s words serve as a clarion call for cooperation over confrontation, warning against opening Pandora’s box of retaliatory measures that could unravel decades of alliance-building. The coming months will test whether Europe heeds this advice amid rising protectionism.
