Trump vs Macron escalates as US president shares private text amid Gaza, Greenland and tariff row

Tensions between the United States and France have sharply escalated after US President Donald Trump publicly shared what he claimed was a private text message from French President Emmanuel Macron, intensifying an already volatile diplomatic standoff over Gaza, Greenland and trade tariffs.

The alleged message, posted by Trump on his Truth Social platform, comes amid Macron’s refusal to join Washington’s proposed “Board of Peace” for Gaza and France’s strong opposition to Trump’s renewed push to bring Greenland under US control. The disclosure of private communications has added a personal edge to a dispute that is increasingly spilling into public view.

According to Trump, the text attributed to Macron reads: “My friend, we are totally in line on Syria. We can do great things in Iran. I do not understand what you are doing on Greenland.” The message also reportedly suggested a G7 meeting after the Davos summit, along with a dinner in Paris to discuss matters further. While the French presidency has yet to issue an official statement, a source close to Macron confirmed to AFP that the text shared by Trump is authentic.

The row has been building steadily over recent weeks. France, along with several European allies, has openly rejected Trump’s statements suggesting the United States should take control of Greenland, a semi-autonomous Danish territory. Paris and other NATO members have framed the proposal as destabilising, with some countries increasing military preparedness in the Arctic through joint exercises.

The dispute sharpened further after France mocked comments made by US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, who argued that Greenland must become part of the United States now to prevent potential future threats from Russia or China. In a pointed response on X, France’s foreign ministry likened the logic to deliberately burning a house to prevent a future fire, drawing widespread attention and irritation in Washington.

Diplomatic tensions rose another notch after Macron declined Trump’s invitation to join the US-led “Board of Peace” for Gaza, an initiative presented as part of the second phase of a ceasefire framework. French officials raised concerns about the board’s structure and legality, warning that it undermines the principles and authority of the United Nations. Macron’s office reportedly stated that the proposal “goes beyond Gaza” and raises serious questions about international governance.

French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot echoed those concerns, saying the board was “very, very far from the Charter of the United Nations” and warning that Trump’s role as chair would give him excessive power over membership, succession and decision-making.

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In response, Trump escalated the confrontation by threatening steep trade penalties. Speaking before departing for the Davos summit, he warned that France could face 200% tariffs on wine and champagne exports to the US. Dismissing Macron’s stance, Trump suggested the French president was politically weak and implied economic pressure would force Paris to comply.

With private messages now public and trade threats on the table, the Trump–Macron relationship appears to have entered its most strained phase yet, raising fresh concerns about transatlantic unity amid global crises.