As Donald Trump returns to the White House on Monday, French President Emmanuel Macron is positioning himself as a crucial bridge between Europe and an administration that shows early signs of seeking to divide its traditional allies.
The relationship between Paris and Washington faces immediate challenges as Trump begins a presidency that could fundamentally reshape transatlantic relations.
Those challenges were underlined by Macron’s exclusion from Trump’s inauguration guest list, despite invitations being extended to Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni and Hungarian leader Viktor Orban – both seen as Trump allies.
A source close to the French president played this down, saying it was not tradition to invite heads of state, before adding: "The problem is he’s inviting European leaders to stir up trouble."
Early action
Macron, nevertheless, has moved quickly to establish connections with the incoming administration.
He congratulated Trump immediately after his election victory and, in an early diplomatic move, Macron hosted Trump in Paris last month for the reopening of Notre-Dame Cathedral.
The visit, Trump's first international trip since his election, included a face-to-face meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky that was arranged by Macron.
According to the Élysée Palace, Macron believes it is "time more than ever for Europe to take its destiny in its own hands" given the shifting global dynamics brought by Trump's return.
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European unity
A key part of Macron’s strategy is preserving European unity against what some see as Trump’s divisive tactics.
"The challenge is to ensure that European leaders don’t rush to Washington to defend their own narrow interests," an Élysée source said.
Macron has positioned himself as a defender of European cohesion, aiming to counteract Trump’s apparent strategy of engaging with individual EU countries to weaken the bloc’s collective power.
The French leader’s influence within Europe has grown since his first term in 2017.
"Macron has gained seniority in the European Council," a former minister told RFI. "Despite domestic struggles after the dissolution, he remains influential in this small club. He wants to represent France and be useful at a European level."
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Relationship of ‘trust’
Trump also sees Macron as a credible partner, partly because of his re-election. "That matters in the psychology of the American president," the Élysée source added.
Macron’s immediate focus is on resolving the war in Ukraine and addressing trade issues, two areas he believes are crucial for strengthening Europe’s autonomy.
"There’s a relationship of trust between the two presidents," the source said. "That’s essential for building a stronger Europe."
