At the World Economic Forum in Davos, Emmanuel Macron sharply criticized Donald Trump's methods, urging Europeans to assert their autonomy. The US president responded with mockery about the Frenchman's sunglasses. This exchange highlights growing transatlantic tensions.
On January 20, 2026, at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, Emmanuel Macron spoke in English to an international audience. Suffering from an eye injury, he wore aviator sunglasses that amplified the visual impact of his speech. He called 'naïve' those Europeans who fail to mobilize against Donald Trump, multiplying criticisms of the US president.
'We prefer respect to brutes, science to conspiracy, the rule of law to brutality,' he declared forcefully. Macron denounced US attempts to 'weaken and subordinate Europe' by disregarding sovereignty, specifically citing Trump's threat of prohibitive tariffs to seize Greenland, a practice he deemed 'unacceptable.'
The next day, January 21, Donald Trump responded with irony during his speech: 'What the hell happened? What the devil happened to the French president's eyes for him to wear his nice sunglasses,' eliciting laughter from the room. He mocked the 'tough guy' image Macron was trying to project.
Reactions in Europe were positive, with approvals from capitals and press headlines highlighting the 'Macron-Trump matchup.' At the Élysée, the president's entourage rejoiced at the resonance, seeing in this international chaos an opportunity for Macron to champion his vision of European autonomy vis-à-vis the United States, despite his domestic political weakening. Yet, this grand design remains far from accomplished, as observers note.
