French President Emmanuel Macron used the prestigious Davos stage on January 20 to deliver a stern message to allies across the Atlantic: matching U.S. tariff threats with countermeasures would be ‘madness.’ This came amid heightened friction with President Donald Trump, whose Truth Social post leaking private Macron messages has intensified disputes over trade, Greenland, and global rules.
‘We must not respond to unjust aggression with more aggression,’ Macron stated firmly. He outright rejected impulses toward ‘new imperialism or colonialism,’ insisting the world needs positive momentum on growth, security, and environmental challenges—not bizarre territorial grabs. During his session, he stressed Europe’s need for unity: ‘No country can attack another’s sovereignty, and the EU must oppose this collectively.’
Trump’s actions, including his persistent Greenland purchase pitch, have strained NATO ties and trade talks. Macron expressed deep regret over the ‘unpredictable and unwarranted’ escalation, questioning the wisdom of tariffs among partners. ‘Dividing allies with duties and threats isn’t strategy—it’s folly,’ he noted.
Pivoting to Europe’s strengths, Macron admitted bureaucratic delays but highlighted its trustworthiness. ‘It’s a place where you know the rules are based on law, making it solid for today and tomorrow.’ He called for a bolder, autonomous Europe to fix worldwide disequilibria, alongside pushes for regulatory streamlining and aid to Ukraine.
This exchange underscores a pivotal moment for Western unity. As protectionist winds blow stronger from Washington, Macron’s Davos intervention pushes for dialogue over division, reminding leaders that opening doors to retaliation risks chaos no one can control.