During a White House press briefing on May 7, 2025, President Donald Trump made pointed remarks about France, saying, “We’ve had a lot of problems with France,” while commenting on what he called “strange” VE Day celebrations held in Paris and London. The statement was part of a broader critique of how European nations commemorate Victory in Europe Day, which marks the end of World War II in Europe.
Trump suggested that the celebrations lacked proper acknowledgment of America’s role in the Allied victory, stating, “It’s because of us!” His comments were interpreted by many as a swipe at both France and Britain, implying that their commemorations downplayed U.S. contributions.
The remarks have sparked diplomatic ripples, with analysts noting that Trump’s relationship with French President Emmanuel Macron has been marked by public disagreements over issues such as climate change, NATO funding, and Middle East diplomacy. Trump has previously criticized Macron as “publicity-seeking,” particularly over comments related to Israel-Iran ceasefire negotiations The Hill.
In a separate campaign event in Duluth, Georgia, Trump also referenced past trade tensions with France, claiming he had prevented a “trade war” during his presidency by blocking a proposed 25% tariff on American goods Newsweek.
These latest comments add to a history of strained U.S.–France relations under Trump’s leadership, often characterized by nationalist rhetoric and skepticism toward multilateral diplomacy.
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