Macron to Trump from Davos: Europe Won’t Bow to Bullies/ Newslooks/ WASHINGTON/ J. Mansour/ Morning Edition/ French President Emmanuel Macron delivered a fiery rebuke to U.S. President Donald Trump’s escalating tariff threats, warning that Europe won’t be intimidated over Greenland. Speaking at Davos, Macron emphasized sovereignty, rule of law, and pushed for EU retaliation. Trump responded by threatening 200% tariffs on French wine and champagne.
Macron vs. Trump: Quick Looks
- Macron says Europe “won’t give in to bullies”
- Trump threatens 200% tariffs on French wine, champagne
- Macron: U.S. tariff use against Greenland is “blackmail”
- Trump published private messages from Macron on Truth Social
- Macron rejects idea of staying for Trump’s Davos speech
- EU emergency Greenland summit set for Thursday in Brussels
- €93B in tariff retaliation measures could be activated Feb. 6
- France pushes to use EU’s “trade bazooka” anti-coercion tool
- Macron warns of Europe’s “vassalization” if it submits to Trump
- No official Trump-Macron meeting scheduled in Davos
Deep Look: Macron Tells Trump Europe Won’t Be Bullied on Greenland
DAVOS, Switzerland — French President Emmanuel Macron came out swinging Tuesday against U.S. President Donald Trump, delivering a defiant message from the stage of the World Economic Forum: Europe will not be intimidated into handing over Greenland or surrendering its sovereignty.
The sharp rebuke follows Trump’s repeated threats to impose steep tariffs on eight European countries, including France, unless the U.S. is allowed to take over Greenland, a semi-autonomous Danish territory.
“We do prefer respect to bullies,” Macron declared. “And we do prefer rule of law to brutality.”
Trump’s Tariff Threats: A New Red Line
Macron’s comments follow Trump’s vow to slap 200% tariffs on French wine and champagne, a retaliation for France’s opposition to U.S. claims over Greenland and its rejection of Trump’s proposed Board of Peace — a new international organization the U.S. president wants to lead.
“France, and Europe, will not passively accept the law of the strongest,” Macron said. “Doing so would mean our vassalization.”
He accused Washington of weaponizing trade policy to undermine European territorial sovereignty, calling the endless cycle of tariffs “fundamentally unacceptable.”
Trump Posts Private Macron Message
The feud intensified when Trump published a private text message from Macron on Truth Social. In the message — confirmed authentic by a source close to the French president — Macron tells Trump:
“I do not understand what you are doing on Greenland.”
He also offered to host a G7 meeting in Paris, suggesting the inclusion of Russia, Denmark, and Syria to de-escalate rising global tensions. Neither side disclosed the date of the exchange.
The Elysée Palace later confirmed Macron would not remain in Davos for Trump’s arrival on Wednesday.
“I don’t have to change my schedule,” Macron said. “It was long planned that I leave this evening.”
Europe’s Response: Retaliation Brewing
In response to Trump’s pressure tactics, EU leaders have called an emergency summit in Brussels on Thursday to discuss countermeasures, including:
- Activating €93 billion in retaliatory tariffs paused after a 2025 trade deal
- Considering first use of the EU’s Anti-Coercion Instrument, aka the “trade bazooka”
- Restricting U.S. access to public contracts and digital services markets
“It’s crazy we’ve come to this,” Macron said, referencing the potential need for the EU to use its most powerful economic tools.
A Souring Relationship
The Trump-Macron relationship, once punctuated by handshakes and flattery, has soured over the past year. Macron has taken a firm stance on Trump’s Greenland ambitions, calling them a violation of international norms.
Trump, meanwhile, appears to be targeting Macron personally, citing France’s nonparticipation in the Board of Peace and mocking its stance.
“I’ll put a 200% tariff on his wines and champagnes, and he’ll join,” Trump said late Monday.
Resistance with Risks
French officials say Macron is being singled out for standing up to Trump, especially as other EU leaders remain more measured in public.
“By leading the resistance, France becomes a target,” said Pieyre-Alexandre Langlade, a Macron-aligned lawmaker.
Macron’s inner circle believes democratic principles and territorial sovereignty are at stake — and that giving in could set a dangerous precedent for future U.S. power plays in Europe.
You must Register or Login to post a comment.