Macron Condemns Trump's 'Not Up to Standard' Remarks on Marriage
French President Emmanuel Macron has publicly criticized former US President Donald Trump for comments made about his marriage, describing them as "neither elegant nor up to standard." The remarks came during a private lunch in Washington, where Trump reportedly mocked Macron and his wife, Brigitte, in a video that briefly appeared on the White House YouTube channel before being removed.
Outrage in France Over Trump's Mockery
Arriving in South Korea on Thursday, Macron expressed his displeasure, stating, "So I am not going to respond to them – they do not merit a response." The incident has sparked significant anger among French politicians and the public, who view Trump's actions as disrespectful and inappropriate.
During the lunch, which included faith leaders and government figures, Trump mimicked a French accent and claimed that Brigitte Macron "treats him extremely badly." He also referenced a 2025 video from an Associated Press camera operator that showed Brigitte pushing Macron's face as they disembarked from a plane in Vietnam. At the time, Macron denied any domestic dispute, calling it a playful moment.
Political Reactions and Diplomatic Tensions
French politicians from across the spectrum have voiced their outrage. Yaël Braun-Pivet, the centrist president of France's lower house of parliament, commented, "Honestly, it's not up to par. We are currently discussing the future of the world. Right now in Iran, this is having consequences for the lives of millions of people, people are dying on the battlefield, and we have a president who is laughing, who is mocking others."
Manuel Bompard, national coordinator of the radical left party La France Insoumise, defended Macron despite political disagreements, saying, "You are aware of the extent of my disagreements with the president, but for Donald Trump to speak to him like that and to speak of his wife in such a manner – I find that absolutely unacceptable."
Broader Implications for International Relations
Trump's comments also touched on NATO and international cooperation, with him stating, "So I learned about Nato – Nato won't be there if we ever have the big one." This adds to ongoing tensions between the US and its European allies, particularly in the context of discussions about Iran and global security.
The conservative French newspaper Le Figaro labeled the incident as "another controversial outburst from Donald Trump," highlighting the strain on diplomatic relations. As Macron continues his visit to South Korea, the fallout from Trump's remarks underscores the challenges in maintaining respectful international dialogue amid political differences.
