Macron to Trump: "You need allies, we are the ally"
- Erica Pandey, author of Axios Finish Line
French President Emmanuel Macron criticized President Trump's foreign policy during an interview with Fox New Sunday's Chris Wallace, saying: "It's too complicated if you make war against everybody. You make trade war against China, trade war against Europe, war in Syria, war against Iran. Come on ... You need allies."
The timing: Macron will arrive in Washington on Tuesday for the first official state visit hosted by Trump.
Macron's full exchange with Wallace:
Macron: "I hope he will not implement these new tariffs, and he will decide on an exemption for the European Union. You don't make trade war with your ally."
Wallace: "But he has said that he is going to implement —"
Macron: "He said, 'Exemption till May 1st.' Let's see what he decides on May 1st. I just say, 'Where are your priorities?' You cannot make a trade war with your allies. I'm an easy guy. I'm very simple. I'm straight forward. It's too complicated if you make war against everybody. You make trade war against China, trade war against Europe, war in Syria, war against Iran. Come on. It doesn't work. You need allies. We are the ally."