Macron Responds to Trump’s Inauguration by Urging Europe to ‘Wake Up’

French President Emmanuel Macron has called for Europe to “wake up” and strengthen its defense capabilities in the wake of United States President Donald Trump’s inauguration.

Macron referred to expected changes in Washington’s foreign policy, citing the need to reduce reliance on the United States for security. Speaking to the French military on Monday, Macron’s remarks came as Trump enters a second term.

Why It Matters

Macron’s remarks were delivered during his annual New Year’s address to the French military at the Army Digital and Cyber Support Command in western France. His speech coincided with Trump’s return to power, a development that has raised questions about the future of U.S. involvement in European security and the ongoing war in Ukraine.

Macron framed Trump’s approach as an “opportunity for a European strategic wake-up call.” Highlighting possible scenarios, he questioned Europe’s preparedness if the United States were to “withdraw its warships from the Mediterranean” or shift its military focus to the Pacific.

Trump has expressed dissatisfaction with the financial burden of U.S. military aid to Ukraine, advocating for Europe to shoulder more of the costs. He has also pledged to broker peace in the nearly three-year-old conflict within six months.

What To Know

Macron emphasized that Europe must adapt to evolving global threats. He urged European leaders to prioritize robust support for Ukraine to ensure it is well-positioned in any potential peace negotiations.

Ukraine must receive “guarantees” against any return of the war on its territory when hostilities cease, and Europe must “play its full role” in the process, he said. Trump’s nominee for Ukraine envoy, Keith Kellogg, suggested peace negotiations could happen within 100 days, but skepticism remains high among European allies.

The French president also noted unexpected geopolitical discourse, such as Greenland’s emerging strategic importance, which he said reflected the rapid evolution of global priorities, which the political community has seen come into play as Trump pledges to buy the Arctic territory.

Meanwhile, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky revealed that he and Macron recently discussed the potential deployment of European troops to Ukraine as peacekeepers. The proposal, however, carries significant risks, including the possibility of direct confrontation with Russia.

What People Are Saying

French President Emmanuel Macron, to members of the French military on Monday: “What will we do in Europe tomorrow if our American ally withdraws its warships from the Mediterranean? If they send their fighter jets from the Atlantic to the Pacific?”

What Happens Next

In the coming months, key meetings among European leaders are expected to discuss defense initiatives, including joint military exercises and expanded funding for weapons production.

While Macron himself will not attend, the presence of far-right French politicians like Meloni at Trump’s inauguration marks a shift in how the administration’s relations with Europe might play out for the next four years.

This article includes reporting from The Associated Press.