Trump’s return sharpens Macron’s bid for a stronger, united Europe

Donald Trump attends a meeting with French President Emmanuel Macron at the Elysée Palace in Paris on 7 December 2024.

As Donald Trump returns to the White House on Monday, French President Emmanuel Macron is positioning himself as a crucial bridge between Europe and an administration that shows early signs of seeking to divide its traditional allies.

The relationship between Paris and Washington faces immediate challenges as Trump begins a presidency that could fundamentally reshape transatlantic relations.

Those challenges were underlined by Macron’s exclusion from Trump’s inauguration guest list, despite invitations being extended to Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni and Hungarian leader Viktor Orban – both seen as Trump allies.

A source close to the French president played this down, saying it was not tradition to invite heads of state, before adding: "The problem is he’s inviting European leaders to stir up trouble."

Early action

Macron, nevertheless, has moved quickly to establish connections with the incoming administration.

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He congratulated Trump immediately after his election victory and, in an early diplomatic move, Macron hosted Trump in Paris last month for the reopening of Notre-Dame Cathedral.

The visit, Trump's first international trip since his election, included a face-to-face meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky that was arranged by Macron.


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