New Delhi, January 8, 2026, 9:35 p.m. IST
French President Macron accuses US of drifting from allies amid Trump threats to Greenland and Venezuela fallout; Europe rallies behind Denmark in escalating transatlantic tensions.
French President Emmanuel Macron sharply criticized the United States for abandoning traditional allies and undermining global rules during his annual address to diplomats on Thursday, highlighting deepening cracks in the transatlantic relationship amid aggressive U.S. foreign policy moves. Speaking at the Elysee Palace, Macron described Washington as an established power that is “gradually turning away” from partners while breaking free from international norms it once championed.
The remarks come as Europe confronts U.S. President Donald Trump’s renewed push for control over Greenland and the recent capture of Venezuela’s Nicolas Maduro, actions that have prompted unified pushback from NATO members.
Europe Rallies Behind Denmark on Greenland
European nations mobilized swiftly in defence of Denmark following Trump’s insistence that the U.S. “needs” Greenland for national security reasons, citing Russian and Chinese activities in the Arctic.
Leaders from France, Germany, the UK, Italy, Spain, and Poland issued a joint statement affirming that “Greenland belongs to its people,” with Denmark as its guarantor, and stressing adherence to UN principles on sovereignty.
Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen warned that any U.S. military action against the territory, a NATO ally would “end NATO,” raising alarms about the alliance’s future amid threats of force from Washington.
The crisis escalated after Trump chastised Denmark for allegedly neglecting Greenland’s defence, refusing to exclude military options despite the island’s strategic resources and NATO status.
German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier joined the chorus, labeling the situation a risk of global “thieves” seizing territory unchecked. U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio plans talks with Danish officials next week, but tensions persist as protests erupt in Copenhagen against what locals call “absurd greed.”
Fallout from Venezuela Operation Fuels Divide
Macron’s speech referenced the January 3 U.S. special forces raid capturing Maduro, portraying it as a “historic rupture” in international law alongside Russia’s Ukraine invasion. Trump announced the operation’s success via social media, with Maduro and his wife detained aboard a U.S. ship, tying Venezuela’s transition to American security interests. This unilateral action has amplified European fears of U.S. disregard for multilateralism, prompting Macron to call for Europe to safeguard its sovereignty.
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Tech, Trade Tensions Add Pressure
Amid these geopolitical shocks, Macron defended Europe’s Digital Services Act and Digital Markets Act against U.S. claims of coercion on tech giants, urging protection of a “controlled information space.”
Trump mocked Macron over alleged drug price hikes to avoid 25% tariffs on French goods, while the White House plans U.S. withdrawal from 66 international bodies, including UN agencies on climate and rights. These steps signal a broader U.S. retreat, with Macron advocating reinvestment in the UN as powers tempt to “divide up the world.”
The escalating rift underscores Europe’s push for strategic autonomy, as leaders balance alliance loyalty with defending core interests against unpredictable U.S. actions.
