“Stop Speaking Contradictory Words,” Macron Tells Trump

Darwin, 03 April: French President Emmanuel Macron sharply criticized former U.S. President Donald Trump for his inconsistent and often contradictory remarks on the Iran conflict and NATO. “If you want to be sincere, it’s better not to say different things every day,”

Macron said during a state visit to South Korea on Thursday.

“Too many words are being spoken… and they are very random,” he added. “We all need stability, consistency, and the restoration of peace—this is not for show.”

According to The Guardian, Macron stressed that responsibility requires avoiding daily contradictions. “When you want to be responsible, don’t contradict what you said the previous day,” he said. “And maybe you shouldn’t speak every day.”

Macron strongly backed NATO, criticizing Trump for repeatedly questioning the U.S. commitment to the alliance, which he said weakens transatlantic defense. “I believe organizations like NATO build their identity on unspoken trust. If you create doubt about your commitment every day, you undermine its foundation,” he said.

The remarks come amid conflicting messages from Trump and Washington officials about the war, European criticism over lack of U.S. support, and speculation that the U.S. might leave NATO. Trump has alternately claimed the war is nearly won, suggested allies do not need U.S. support, and implied Europe should act independently, including securing the Strait of Hormuz.

This week, Trump reportedly told a private White House luncheon that NATO “has treated us very badly” and would continue to do so if needed again. In comments to Reuters, he said he is “absolutely considering” leaving the alliance.

Despite Trump’s rhetoric, U.S. law passed in 2023 prevents any president from unilaterally exiting NATO. NATO’s mutual defense clause obliges members to respond to attacks on one another but does not require automatic support for unilateral action.

European leaders and NATO officials are working to repair relations. NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg will visit Washington next week, while U.K. Labour leader Keir Starmer called NATO “the most effective military alliance in the world.” Senators Mitch McConnell and Chris Coons jointly reaffirmed the U.S. Senate’s support for the alliance.

Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk said Trump’s repeated threats to leave NATO, combined with a looming European energy crisis, create a “dream scenario” for Russian President Vladimir Putin.

European diplomats noted Trump’s attacks on NATO reflect his own difficult position rather than a sudden new policy.

Macron also criticized Trump’s mocking comments about his marriage as “neither elegant nor dignified,” and emphasized that U.S. and Israeli attacks will not solve Iran’s nuclear issue.

“Even a precise military operation lasting a few weeks will not help resolve the nuclear problem in the long term,” he said, calling diplomacy and technical negotiations essential.

Iran’s armed forces issued a stern warning to the U.S. and Israel on Thursday, promising the conflict will continue until their enemies “experience permanent regret and surrender.”

Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baghaei said no direct talks are underway with the U.S., though intermediaries, including Pakistan, have relayed messages.