PARIS — In a recent address, French President Emmanuel Macron declared that France remains a “solid ally” of President-elect Donald Trump while sharing his vision for international diplomacy looking ahead to 2025. He cautioned that if France appears “weak and defeatist,” it risks undermining its standing with the new U.S. president.
During a New Year’s speech at the Élysée Palace, Macron emphasized France’s commitment to cooperation, expressing his conviction in Europe’s strength and the importance of maintaining a robust transatlantic relationship. He articulated that Trump recognizes France as an ally that he values, one that promotes a thoughtful approach to global collaboration.
Trump’s recent visit to Paris for the grand reopening of Notre Dame Cathedral further highlighted the strong bilateral relations between the two nations. Macron stated explicitly, “If we decide to be weak and defeatist, there is little chance we will be respected by the United States under President Trump.” This message coincided with discussions of France’s foreign policy in light of ongoing global conflicts, including the war in Ukraine and matters of European defense and Middle Eastern stability.
While expressing openness towards Trump, Macron also took aim at tech billionaire Elon Musk, pointing to his alleged influence in global politics and his support for Germany’s far-right AfD party. Macron rebuked the notion that a figure like Musk can intervene in political processes, asserting, “Who could have imagined, 10 years ago, that the owner of one of the world’s largest social networks would intervene directly in elections, including in Germany?” He warned of the dangers posed by vast wealth and influence held by tech giants and how such power could undermine democratic institutions.
Macron identified Musk’s actions as a serious threat to the democratic ideals Europe strives to uphold, reinforcing the urgency for European nations to unite and remain resilient against external threats.
Regarding the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, Macron highlighted the importance of “realistic discussions on territorial questions,” emphasizing that negotiations should be led by the Ukrainians themselves. He urged the U.S. to aid in creating a shift in the dynamics of the conflict, compelling Russia to engage in negotiations. Macron pointed out that European nations must take the reins in establishing security guarantees for Ukraine, noting that they hold the primary responsibility in this matter. He contested Trump’s previous calls for a rapid end to the conflict, clarifying that “There is no quick and easy solution in Ukraine,” and reiterated the serious implications of a Ukrainian defeat for both European and U.S. credibility.
Macron also emphasized that yielding to exhaustion would damage the West’s credibility and argued that a compromise leading to Ukraine’s capitulation would have disastrous consequences beyond Europe, impacting U.S. reputation as well.
Turning his focus to global terrorism, Macron labeled Iran as the principal threat facing the Middle East, pointing out the urgency of Tehran’s accelerating nuclear ambitions. He reaffirmed France’s commitment to supporting democratic movements in Syria and pledged to continue aiding Kurdish forces in their fight against terrorism. “The fight against terrorism must remain central to our priorities,” he asserted, advocating for a “sovereign, pluralistic Syria.”
Addressing European defense capabilities, Macron criticized the continent’s reliance on American defense technologies, calling for European nations to enhance their own industrial capacities. “If we depend on the American industrial base for our security, we will face strategic dilemmas that are both cruel and culpable,” he cautioned.
In discussing trade, Macron voiced his opposition to the EU-Mercosur agreement aimed at facilitating trade between Europe and South American countries, due in part to environmental and agricultural repercussions. He reiterated France’s commitment to coherent policies in this arena, asserting, “The mass is not said. We will continue to defend the coherence of our commitments.”
Through these remarks, Macron illustrated the delicate balance France seeks to maintain on the world stage—working closely with traditional allies while simultaneously championing European autonomy.