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Escalating tensions with France, US President Donald Trump has shared what he claims is a private text message from French President Emmanuel Macron, posting it on Truth Social amid his renewed push for Greenland.
The alleged message surfaced as relations between the two leaders remain strained, following Macron’s decision to decline Trump’s invitation to join a proposed “Board of Peace” for Gaza.
While an official response from Macron’s office is still awaited, a source close to the French president told AFP that the text shared by Trump is authentic.
According to Trump’s post, the message attributed to Macron reads: “My friend, we are totally in line on Syria. We can do great things in Iran. I do not understand what you are doing on Greenland.”
The text chain also appears to suggest holding a G7 meeting after the Davos summit, followed by a dinner in Paris to discuss matters further.
France, along with several other European countries, has openly rejected US statements on Greenland and Washington’s plans to take over the territory.
The rift deepened after Macron declined to join Trump’s Gaza initiative, citing concerns over its structure and mandate.
Tensions escalated further after France’s foreign ministry mocked comments made by US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, who said the Trump administration wanted Greenland for national security reasons and to counter potential threats from Russia and China.
Bessent argued that safeguarding Greenland required making it part of the US now.
In response, France’s foreign ministry posted a series of sarcastic messages on X, stating: “If there were a fire someday, firefighters would intervene — so better burn the house now.”
It added: “If a shark might attack someday, intervention would follow — so better eat the lifeguard now. If there were a crash someday, damage would occur — so better ram the car now.”
Trump’s proposed “Board of Peace” for Gaza forms part of what he has described as the second phase of the ceasefire in the conflict.
According to reports, France declined to participate after raising concerns about the board’s legal foundation and structure.
A statement cited by Politico said Macron’s office believes the charter of the board “goes beyond Gaza and raises serious questions, in particular with respect to the principles and structure of the United Nations, which cannot be called into question”.
French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot echoed those concerns, saying the initiative was “very, very far from the Charter of the United Nations”.
Speaking at an event in Paris, Barrot warned that Trump’s proposed role as chairman would allow him to approve participation, choose his own successor and veto decisions adopted by a majority.
Following France’s refusal, Trump threatened fresh tariffs on French wine and champagne.
Speaking to reporters before departing for the Davos summit, he said he would impose 200 per cent tariffs on French products.
When asked about Macron’s decision, Trump said: “Did he say that? Nobody wants him because he’s going to be out of office very soon. If they feel hostile, I’ll put a 200% tariff on his wines and champagnes, and he’ll join.”
The alleged message surfaced as relations between the two leaders remain strained, following Macron’s decision to decline Trump’s invitation to join a proposed “Board of Peace” for Gaza.
Macron text shared on Truth Social
While an official response from Macron’s office is still awaited, a source close to the French president told AFP that the text shared by Trump is authentic.
According to Trump’s post, the message attributed to Macron reads: “My friend, we are totally in line on Syria. We can do great things in Iran. I do not understand what you are doing on Greenland.”
The text chain also appears to suggest holding a G7 meeting after the Davos summit, followed by a dinner in Paris to discuss matters further.
European opposition to US Greenland plans
France, along with several other European countries, has openly rejected US statements on Greenland and Washington’s plans to take over the territory.
The rift deepened after Macron declined to join Trump’s Gaza initiative, citing concerns over its structure and mandate.
France mocks US justification for Greenland
Tensions escalated further after France’s foreign ministry mocked comments made by US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, who said the Trump administration wanted Greenland for national security reasons and to counter potential threats from Russia and China.
Bessent argued that safeguarding Greenland required making it part of the US now.
‘Better burn the house now’: France’s sharp response
In response, France’s foreign ministry posted a series of sarcastic messages on X, stating: “If there were a fire someday, firefighters would intervene — so better burn the house now.”
It added: “If a shark might attack someday, intervention would follow — so better eat the lifeguard now. If there were a crash someday, damage would occur — so better ram the car now.”
Gaza ‘Board of Peace’ faces French pushback
Trump’s proposed “Board of Peace” for Gaza forms part of what he has described as the second phase of the ceasefire in the conflict.
According to reports, France declined to participate after raising concerns about the board’s legal foundation and structure.
A statement cited by Politico said Macron’s office believes the charter of the board “goes beyond Gaza and raises serious questions, in particular with respect to the principles and structure of the United Nations, which cannot be called into question”.
French ministers question Trump’s role
French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot echoed those concerns, saying the initiative was “very, very far from the Charter of the United Nations”.
Speaking at an event in Paris, Barrot warned that Trump’s proposed role as chairman would allow him to approve participation, choose his own successor and veto decisions adopted by a majority.
Trump threatens 200% tariffs
Following France’s refusal, Trump threatened fresh tariffs on French wine and champagne.
Speaking to reporters before departing for the Davos summit, he said he would impose 200 per cent tariffs on French products.
When asked about Macron’s decision, Trump said: “Did he say that? Nobody wants him because he’s going to be out of office very soon. If they feel hostile, I’ll put a 200% tariff on his wines and champagnes, and he’ll join.”
