With a strategy to balance diplomacy and firmness, former Europe’s “Trump whisperer,” Emmanuel Macron, sat across from then US President Donald Trump in the Oval Office. Macron was live attempting to correct facts as Trump shared his belief that Ukraine should repay for the support it received from the US amid its defense against Russia’s full-scale invasion. According to Macron, the financial burden falls on Russia, as they are the aggressors. Despite their differing outlooks, Macron maintained that a relationship, even one with personal rapport, may not bridge the divide emerging between the US and Europe. Along with other European leaders, Macron and UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer were working to preserve the trans-Atlantic alliance amid its strain, avoiding a scenario where Ukraine’s fate is sacrificed in Trump’s pursuit of peace through economic deals. Trump’s rapprochement with Vladimir Putin drew criticism at the UN where the US opposed a EU-Ukraine resolution condemning Russia. This shift in alliances provoked calls for European independence, with the CDU leader Friedrich Merz advocating for a swift strengthening of Europe to assist in achieving independence from the US. Macron’s visit to Washington concluded without a solid US support commitment or a change in Trump’s stance on Ukraine. Starmer faced a significant challenge in his upcoming meeting with Trump, aiming to prevent a rift between the US and Europe. Interestingly, advisers noted that actions, rather than words, now pronounced the disconnect.

Source: https://www.theguardian.com/world/2025/feb/25/emmanuel-macron-donald-trump-whisperer-us-europe-relations