French President Emmanuel Macron on Thursday delivered a candid assessment of Europe's ties with the West, saying the United States can no longer be viewed
as a “fully reliable ally” and urging Europe to take greater responsibility in an increasingly unstable global order. Speaking in Athens alongside Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis, Macron also took aim at the broader trajectory of US foreign policy, arguing that Washington's priorities have steadily drifted away from European interests. Referring to Donald Trump as a "character," Macron remarked that the US President is often more explicit or verbally aggressive, but the 'America First' agenda goes beyond him and reflects a deeper strategic shift that began years ago, including under Barack Obama.
French President Macron:
We have to be lucid on the US strategy… This is not just Trump’s character or behavior.
The United States, I would say, for now 15 years, decided the number one issue is America — America first. The second priority is China…
Their strategies just… pic.twitter.com/J7o9SWFvEE— Clash Report (@clashreport) April 24, 2026
"I take the leaders people give to us. And I know President Trump very well, and I know he's a character. We have to be lucid on the US strategy. This is not just Trump's character or behaviour," he said.
"The United States, I would say, for now 15 years, decided the number one issue is America first. And I respect that. The second priority is China. It started with President Obama. President Trump is sometimes more explicit and aggressive verbally. But their strategies just don't put European interests at the center. That's the matter of fact," Macron remarked.
French President Macron:
We have to be lucid on the US strategy… This is not just Trump’s character or behavior.
The United States, I would say, for now 15 years, decided the number one issue is America — America first. The second priority is China…
Their strategies just… pic.twitter.com/J7o9SWFvEE— Clash Report (@clashreport) April 24, 2026
Also Read: Trump Praises Himself; Then Mocks Macron With A Brutal 'Wife' & 'Jaw' Dig | WATCH
Macron against US action on Iran
Macron also stressed the importance of maintaining the ceasefire in both Iran and Lebanon while advocating sustained diplomatic engagement on Tehran's nuclear and missile programs.
He added that France is working in coordination with Britain on strategic and military efforts, including steps aimed at reopening the strategically vital Strait of Hormuz, underscoring Paris's commitment to regional stability.
Earlier, on April 22, military planners from more than 30 countries convened at the UK's Permanent Joint Headquarters in Northwood, North London, as part of a UK and France-led effort to develop a coordinated plan aimed at reopening the Strait of Hormuz, according to an official press release by the UK Ministry of Defence.
The two-day conference, which began on April 22, was intended to advance detailed military planning under a multinational framework following a proposed ceasefire agreement.
(With agency inputs)
