French President Emmanuel Macron struck a cordial yet assertive tone in Washington on Monday, engaging in a delicate diplomatic dance with former U.S. President Donald Trump. While lavishing praise on Trump—calling him “Dear Donald” multiple times—Macron also subtly pushed back on key issues, signaling Europe’s shifting approach to the transatlantic relationship.
At their joint press conference, Macron underscored the historical ties between France and the United States and highlighted progress on a “sustainable and strong” peace deal for Ukraine. But despite the warm rhetoric, he didn’t hesitate to challenge Trump’s assertions. When Trump suggested that Europe would “get their money back” over its Ukraine funding, Macron quickly corrected him with a smile: “We provided real money.” Unlike Trump, he also explicitly identified Russia as the aggressor in Ukraine.
In an interview with Fox News before departing for France, Macron lightly criticized Trump’s threats of tariffs on European goods, questioning how Europe could boost its defense spending in the midst of a trade war. “How do you want us to increase security and defense expenditures if we are in a trade war?” he asked.
Europe’s Strategic Crossroads
Macron’s visit was part of a broader wave of European diplomacy in Washington. British Prime Minister Keir Starmer is set to meet Trump on Thursday, while European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas have been engaging with U.S. officials. The growing flurry of meetings underscores a crucial moment for Europe, as American support for Ukraine—and for the continent as a whole—appears increasingly uncertain.
Britain, for example, just announced a boost in military spending. European leaders are also coordinating more closely on defense, preparing for the possibility of reduced American backing. On March 6, EU leaders will hold a special summit focused on fortifying Europe’s defense and ensuring continued support for Ukraine.
Yet even as Europe charts its own path, leaders are eager to keep the U.S. engaged. American military aid and economic support have been essential to Ukraine’s survival, and the EU-U.S. trade relationship remains vital. The growing rift between Washington and Brussels is seen as a risk on both sides of the Atlantic.
Trump’s Unsettling Shift
Trump’s recent remarks have raised alarm bells in Europe. He has openly courted better relations with Russia while criticizing European allies for not investing enough in their own defense. Macron, however, has long championed Europe’s “strategic autonomy” and reduced dependence on the U.S.—a stance that once drew skepticism but now resonates more broadly.
In Washington, he made this point again: “Everyone in Europe is now clear that it is our duty as Europeans” to take greater responsibility for security. He even suggested that European troops could serve as part of a future peacekeeping force in Ukraine, though not on the front lines.
However, doubts remain over whether Macron or other European leaders can influence Trump’s stance on Ukraine. The fear in European capitals is that Trump might push for a hasty peace deal with Russia without consulting Ukraine or EU leaders, potentially leaving Kyiv vulnerable and emboldening Putin.
Macron repeatedly pointed to past failed cease-fire agreements, like the 2014-2015 Minsk Accords, as cautionary examples. “It was violated every time by Russia, and we didn’t react, all of us,” he warned.
A Diplomatic Gamble
Despite Macron’s efforts to bridge differences, European media saw his visit as an uphill battle. French daily Libération observed that “behind the outward smiles, a wall is rising” between Europe and the U.S. Le Figaro noted that Macron received no firm commitments from Trump on Ukraine. Meanwhile, Le Monde delivered a blunt assessment: “Hope is slim” when it comes to reasoning with Trump, and Europe must prepare for an uncertain future.
Macron’s strategy—charm mixed with quiet defiance—reflects Europe’s attempt to navigate an unpredictable geopolitical landscape. Whether it will sway Trump remains an open question.