Seoul/Washington: French President Emmanuel Macron has criticised US President Donald Trump over remarks about his wife, saying the comments were inappropriate and fell short of standards of political discourse.
The row erupted after Trump mocked Macron and his wife, Brigitte Macron, during a private lunch in Washington while discussing tensions related to the ongoing Iran conflict and NATO cooperation.
Responding during a visit to South Korea, Macron said Trump’s comments lacked decorum. “Trump talks too much. His remarks are neither elegant nor up to the standard,” he told reporters.
Trump’s remarks trigger backlash
According to reports, Trump referenced a viral 2025 video and joked that Macron was “still recovering from the right to the jaw”, while also criticising France for not providing sufficient military support in the Middle East conflict.
The remarks reportedly sparked criticism across the French political spectrum, with many viewing the comments as disrespectful given the seriousness of the geopolitical situation.
Differences over Iran war and NATO
The exchange comes amid growing disagreements between the two leaders over strategy in the Iran war and the role of NATO allies. Macron warned against weakening alliances through inconsistent public messaging and emphasised the importance of trust among partners.
He also rejected the idea of using military force to reopen the strategically important Strait of Hormuz, arguing that diplomacy was a more realistic solution.
The dispute reflects broader strains between the United States and some European allies over military involvement in the Middle East and within NATO.
