French President Emmanuel Macron delivered a public criticism of President Donald Trump’s recent trade threats and diplomatic tactics at the World Economic Forum in Davos this week. Macron came out against what he called bullying, making it clear where Europe stands in the growing trade war.
According to HuffPost, the French leader stated firmly, “We do prefer respect to bullies.” He continued, “And we do prefer rule of law to brutality.” Macron called Washington’s “endless accumulation” of new tariffs “fundamentally unacceptable,” especially when they are used as leverage against territorial sovereignty.
The main driver of this diplomatic rift is the ongoing dispute over Greenland. President Trump has vowed to implement increasing tariffs starting February 1 against several European allies, including France, unless the US is allowed to acquire the Arctic island.
Trump’s aggressive trade tactics push Europe toward major retaliation
The conflict hasn’t been limited to trade policy. President Trump recently threatened huge tariffs against French wine and champagne. He even took the unusual step of posting private messages from Macron. The published exchange showed Macron telling President Trump, “I do not understand what you are doing on Greenland.” This incident follows Trump’s unexpected twist in sharing Macron’s texts.
The conflict has also spilled over into other areas, like France’s reluctance to join the proposed Board of Peace, a new international organization President Trump would lead. When asked about Macron’s stance on that group, President Trump said, “I’ll put a 200% tariff on his wines and champagnes, and he’ll join, but he doesn’t have to join.”
BREAKING: French President Emmanuel Macron just completely tortured Donald Trump at the world economic forum:
— Ed Krassenstein (@EdKrassen) January 20, 2026
“Examples of international bullies… when we look at the situation, it's clearly a very concerning time… combined with an endless accumulation of new tariffs that are… pic.twitter.com/0bZGzGXjrp
Macron stressed that France, and Europe as a whole, will not “passively accept the law of the strongest.” He warned that doing otherwise would lead to their “vassalization.” Europe isn’t just talking, though. EU leaders decided over the weekend to convene an emergency summit in Brussels on Thursday evening to plot their next moves. Meanwhile, Macron’s wife plans to provide scientific proof amid ongoing controversies surrounding the French president.
They’ve already prepared a massive counter-strike: tariffs on 93 billion euros of US goods could snap into place on February 6. Macron is pushing the EU to consider deploying its Anti-Coercion Instrument, which is informally nicknamed the “trade bazooka.” Using that tool could limit US access to public tenders or restrict trade in services, like tech platforms.
Macron delivered his speech while wearing aviator sunglasses. The Elysee Palace said he needed them to protect his eyes because of a burst blood vessel. Macron confirmed he has no plans to change his schedule to meet President Trump. He is leaving Davos on Tuesday evening, just before President Trump arrives in the Swiss resort town on Wednesday.
