Donald Trump under fire in France for mocking President Macron, wife

US President Donald Trump caused anger in France after mocking French President Emmanuel Macron and his wife, Brigitte Macron.

At a private lunch on Wednesday, Trump imitated a French accent and said Macron’s wife “treats him extremely badly.”

French politicians reacted strongly. Yael Braun-Pivet, president of France’s lower house of parliament, criticized Trump, saying the remarks were inappropriate. She added that the world is facing serious issues, like the war in Iran, and mocking leaders is unacceptable.

Even Macron’s critics defended him. Manuel Bompard, from the hard-left France Unbowed party, said, “I strongly disagree with Macron, but Trump speaking about him and his wife like that is completely unacceptable.”

French newspaper Le Figaro called Trump’s comments “another controversial outburst.”

Trump referred to a May 2025 video that appeared to show Brigitte Macron pushing her husband’s face during a trip to Vietnam. Macron denied any dispute with his wife, saying they were joking.

Trump also criticized NATO, calling it a “paper tiger” and claiming the alliance might not help if a major conflict occurs.

He said he asked France for military support in the Gulf, but Macron allegedly replied, “No, we cannot do that, Donald. We can do that after the war is won,” which Trump mocked in a French accent.