Outrage In France As Donald Trump Mocks Macron, Wife

Anger has erupted across France after United States President Donald Trump mocked French counterpart Emmanuel Macron and made disparaging remarks about his wife, Brigitte Macron.

Trump, speaking during a private lunch on Wednesday, reportedly ridiculed Macron while criticising NATO allies over their stance on the ongoing tensions involving Iran.

In remarks that have since drawn widespread condemnation, the US president claimed Macron’s wife “treats him extremely badly” and mimicked a French accent while recounting a conversation with the French leader.

The comments quickly triggered backlash in France, with political figures across the spectrum describing the remarks as inappropriate and disrespectful.

President of the National Assembly, Yaël Braun-Pivet, criticised Trump’s conduct, saying, “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.”

Even critics of Macron rallied to his defence. Manuel Bompard, a leading figure in the hard-left France Unbowed party, said, “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.”

French media also weighed in, with conservative daily Le Figaro describing the episode as “another controversial outburst” from the US president.

The remarks referenced a May 2025 video that appeared to show Brigitte Macron pushing the French president’s face during a trip to Vietnam — a clip Macron dismissed at the time as part of a disinformation campaign. He denied any domestic dispute, insisting the moment was playful.

Trump’s comments also extended to NATO, which he described as a “paper tiger,” renewing his long-standing criticism of the alliance. He suggested the bloc might not stand united in the event of a major global conflict, raising further concerns among European leaders.

The controversy came amid heightened geopolitical tensions, with Washington signalling it may reassess its relationship with NATO after the Iran conflict.