French President Emmanuel Macron has strongly criticised US President Donald Trump over personal remarks involving his wife, calling them “inelegant and inappropriate” and lacking in decorum.
Speaking to reporters during a visit to South Korea alongside his wife Brigitte Macron, Macron said, “Trump talks too much. His remarks are neither elegant nor up to the standard.”
The response came hours after Trump, during a private lunch in Washington DC, mocked Macron while recounting a phone conversation between the two leaders.
Trump claimed that Macron’s wife “treats him extremely badly,” adding, “I call up France, Macron, whose wife treats him extremely badly. Still recovering from the right to the jaw.
The comment appeared to reference a May 2025 video from Macron’s Vietnam visit, which showed Brigitte Macron seemingly pushing his face as they disembarked from an aircraft. Macron had earlier dismissed the clip as “disinformation,” saying the moment was light-hearted and taken out of context.
Political Backlash In France Over Trump’s Remark
Trump’s remarks triggered widespread outrage across the French political spectrum.
Yael Braun-Pivet, President of the National Assembly, said the comments were “not up to the mark,” especially amid ongoing global conflicts. “People are dying, and we have a President mocking others,” she said.
Manuel Bompard of the France Unbowed party also condemned the remarks, calling them “absolutely unacceptable,” despite political differences with Macron.
French daily Le Figaro described the episode as “another controversial outburst.”
NATO Criticism And Iran War Remarks
Trump made the remarks while criticising NATO allies over their stance on a US-led conflict involving Iran. Recounting the call, he claimed he had asked France to provide immediate support in the Gulf.
“We’d love to have some help… could you send ships immediately?” Trump said, adding that Macron declined and suggested France could assist “after the war is won.”
Mocking the response, Trump said, “I don’t need help after the war is won,” while mimicking a French accent.
He also questioned the credibility of NATO, calling it a “paper tiger” and warning that the alliance “won’t be there if we ever have a big one”.
Macron Warns Against Hormuz Escalation
Amid rising tensions, Macron also cautioned against any military attempt to reopen the Strait of Hormuz, stressing that France does not support such a move.
“Some people defend the idea of freeing the Strait of Hormuz by force. This was never the option we have supported because it is unrealistic,” he said.
Macron warned that any such operation would be prolonged and risky, exposing global shipping to threats from Iran’s Revolutionary Guards and ballistic missiles.
Emphasising diplomacy, he said the crucial waterway for global energy and trade can only be reopened “in consultation with Iran.”
