Trump Makes Personal Jab at Macron

Donald Trump made a pointed remark about French President Emmanuel Macron and his wife, Brigitte, after France declined to assist with his administration’s approach to Iran. The comments were made during a White House Easter lunch before a national address, with Iran remaining a central focus for the President.

The Remark and Reaction

According to reports, Trump joked, “Then I call up France, Macron, whose wife treats him extremely badly, he’s still recovering from the right to the jaw,” with the audience responding positively. This comment references an incident last year where Brigitte Macron playfully pushed her husband’s face while preparing to board a plane in Vietnam. Macron explained at the time that they were simply “horsing around.”

French Officials Express Outrage

The remark drew swift condemnation from French officials. Yaël Braun-Pivet, the president of the National Assembly, stated, “That’s not how we talk to each other as human beings. I don’t see what it accomplishes. He wants to make people laugh, but politics isn’t a show; we’re talking about the future of the world.”

Manuel Bompard, Deputy of the French National Assembly, added, “You know the extent of my disagreements with the president of the republic, but for Donald Trump to allow himself to speak to him like that and to speak like that about his wife, I find that absolutely unacceptable.”

Dispute Over Iran and the Strait of Hormuz

Trump continued to express his frustration with the lack of support from allies during the Easter lunch. He recounted asking Macron for assistance in the Gulf, stating, “And I say: ‘Emmanuel, we’d love to have some help in the Gulf… could you please send ships immediately.’”

Trump then imitated Macron’s response, using a French accent, “No, no, no, I cannot do that, Donald, we can do that after the war is won.”

Macron's Stance on US Military Action

On Wednesday, Macron clarified France’s position, stating, “It is absolutely true that France, which was not consulted and is not part of the military offensive launched by the United States and Israel, is not taking part.”

Call for International Action

Following the Easter lunch, Trump reiterated his concerns about the Strait of Hormuz. He urged countries reliant on oil transported through the strait to “take care of that passage,” “cherish it,” and even “grab it and cherish it.” He also encouraged these nations to purchase American oil and “build up some delayed courage” to assist him in the region.