Former U.S. President Donald Trump unexpectedly targeted France with critical remarks during a Monday interview with Fox News, openly questioning the reliability of the longstanding American ally and comparing them to China.
Unexpected Shift in Conversation
The comments emerged during a discussion with host Laura Ingraham about Chinese students at American universities. When Ingraham stated that the Chinese "spy on us" and "steal our intellectual property," Trump interjected with a surprising counterpoint.
"Do you think the French are better, really? I will tell you, I'm not so sure," Trump stated, abruptly pivoting the conversation from Beijing to Paris.
A History of Public Tensions
Trump specifically pointed to economic grievances, stating, "We've had a lot of problems with the French where we get taxed unfairly on our technology." This refers to ongoing disputes over digital services taxes that European nations, including France, have considered or implemented, which Trump had previously threatened to meet with "substantial" retaliatory tariffs.
The relationship between Trump and French President Emmanuel Macron has been a public rollercoaster. Their interactions were famously documented through muscular handshakes and public displays of camaraderie, but were equally marked by significant policy disagreements.
Notable points of contention included Macron's recognition of a Palestinian state, climate policy, and Trump's persistent push for European nations, through NATO, to increase their defence spending. The Franco-American dynamic remains crucial in global affairs, particularly concerning Western support for Ukraine against Russian aggression, where Macron has been part of European efforts to maintain Trump's support.
From Bromance to Diplomatic Traffic Jams
The rapport between the two leaders was famously hands-on, but also occasionally tetchy beyond major policy issues. In a revealing incident in September 2025, Macron reportedly had to phone Trump directly after the U.S. presidential motorcade blocked his vehicle on a New York street, preventing him from reaching a meeting after leaving UN headquarters.
This latest critique from Trump, shifting focus from a designated strategic competitor, China, to a traditional ally, underscores the unpredictable nature of his diplomatic approach and raises fresh questions about the future of transatlantic relations.
