On Wednesday, President Trump took aim at French President Emmanuel Macron and his spouse in a biting critique, intensifying his criticism of NATO allies for their reluctance to engage in the conflict with Iran.
The U.S. leader jested about Macron’s marriage to Brigitte Macron, referencing a viral video where she was seen playfully striking her husband.
“I reached out to France, Macron—whose wife doesn’t seem to hold back,” Trump quipped during a private lunch at the White House as he recounted his appeal to NATO for support.
“He’s still nursing that hit to the jaw,” Trump remarked, alluding to the well-publicized incident.
During the conversation, Trump explained his request for assistance in the Gulf, highlighting the U.S.’s successes in neutralizing threats. “We’re breaking records in dealing with adversaries and dismantling ballistic missiles. We’d truly appreciate some support. If possible, could you send ships immediately?” he recalled asking Macron.
Trump then imitated a French accent to illustrate Macron’s response: “‘No, no, no, Donald. We can only assist after victory is achieved’.”
The president’s dig came after he insisted that he was “absolutely” considering withdrawing the US from the NATO military alliance after scores of European leaders barred the United States from using military bases for the monthlong Iran conflict and balked at requests for naval support to reopen the Strait of Hormuz.
At one point, he blasted the transatlantic alliance as a “paper tiger.”
When asked about Trump’s latest attack, Macron shot back that his remarks were “neither elegant nor up to standard.”
With Post wires
