Paris, January 9, 2026 – French President Emmanuel Macron sharply criticized the United States on Thursday for "breaking free from international rules" and "gradually turning away" from some of its allies, in a speech that highlighted deepening strains between Europe and Washington under President Donald Trump's second term.
Delivering his annual address to French ambassadors at the Élysée Palace on January 8, Macron warned of a world dominated by "great powers" tempted to "divide up the world," with multilateral institutions becoming increasingly ineffective. "The United States is an established power, but one that is gradually turning away from some of its allies and breaking free from international rules that it was still promoting recently," Macron stated, adding that "multilateral institutions are functioning less and less effectively."
These remarks come against the backdrop of recent U.S. actions that have alarmed European leaders. On January 3, U.S. special forces conducted a daring raid in Caracas, Venezuela, capturing President Nicolás Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, in an operation dubbed "Operation Absolute Resolve." The couple was flown to New York, where Maduro pleaded not guilty to U.S. charges of narco-terrorism, drug trafficking, and related offenses. The raid, which involved elite troops breaching Maduro's fortified compound, has been widely condemned internationally as a violation of sovereignty and international law.
Macron's speech also referenced renewed U.S. threats toward Greenland, an autonomous Danish territory. President Trump has reiterated his desire to acquire the Arctic island for national security reasons, refusing to rule out military force. The White House confirmed that "utilizing the U.S. military is always an option," prompting Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen to warn that any attack would "spell the end of NATO." Macron evoked public anxieties, noting that "everyday people wonder whether Greenland is going to be invaded" or if other allies face similar pressures.
In a nod to past U.S. rhetoric, Macron alluded to threats against Canada, questioning whether it might face "the threat of becoming the 51st state," reflecting Trump's earlier statements on hemispheric dominance.
Further fueling European concerns, the Trump administration announced on January 7 the U.S. withdrawal from 66 international organizations and treaties, including 31 UN entities. This includes major climate frameworks like the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) and the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), as well as bodies focused on health, education, and human rights. The move follows a review deeming these entities contrary to U.S. interests, ending American funding and participation.
Macron called for a renewed commitment to the United Nations, urging countries to "reinvest fully" in the institution at a time when its largest shareholder, the U.S., appears disengaged. He emphasized Europe's need for strategic autonomy, particularly in regulating the tech sector. Praising the European Union's Digital Markets Act (DMA) and Digital Services Act (DSA), Macron said, "The DSA and DMA are two regulations that must be defended." He advocated for a "controlled information space where opinions can be exchanged completely freely, but where choices are not made by the algorithms of a few," while stressing the importance of safeguarding academic independence and European regulation of big tech.
The speech underscores broader European frustration with U.S. unilateralism. Analysts note that Macron's comments reflect a growing consensus among EU leaders that Washington's actions— from the Venezuela raid to withdrawals from global bodies and territorial assertions—signal a shift toward isolationism and assertiveness that challenges the post-World War II rules-based order.
European responses have been measured but firm. German and other leaders have echoed concerns over NATO's future if U.S. threats materialize. The Venezuela operation, while tactically successful with no U.S. fatalities reported (though Venezuela claims over 100 deaths), has drawn condemnation from the UN and allies for bypassing international norms.
As Europe debates its response, Macron's address signals a push for greater unity and self-reliance. "We must protect our interests," he concluded, framing the current era as one requiring Europe to consolidate its sovereignty in technology, security, and diplomacy.
This evolving transatlantic rift comes as global powers navigate heightened rivalries, with Macron warning against a return to "the law of the strongest." European officials are closely monitoring U.S. moves, particularly regarding Greenland and potential implications for NATO cohesion.
