Macron Accuses Donald Trump’s US of ‘Intimidation and Coercion’ Over Visa Ban

French President Emmanuel Macron hit back at what he said was “intimidation and coercion” by the U.S. after the Trump administration barred five Europeans from entering in a dispute over the regulation of American tech firms and freedom of speech.

Macron said France “condemns the visa restriction measures taken by the United States” in a Wednesday morning post on X.

“These measures amount to intimidation and coercion aimed at undermining European digital sovereignty,” Macron said.

“The European Union’s digital regulations were adopted following a democratic and sovereign process by the European Parliament and the Council. They apply within Europe to ensure fair competition among platforms, without targeting any third country, and to ensure that what is illegal offline is also illegal online.

“The rules governing the European Union’s digital space are not meant to be determined outside Europe. Together with the European Commission and our European partners, we will continue to defend our digital sovereignty and our regulatory autonomy.”

This is a breaking news story. Updates to follow.