French President Emmanuel Macron has accused the Trump administration of being “openly anti-European” and pursuing what he described as the potential “dismemberment” of the European Union. The comments underscore long-standing tensions that marked transatlantic relations during Donald Trump’s presidency.

Macron’s remarks reflect broader disagreements that emerged over trade policy, defense spending, NATO commitments, and multilateral agreements. During Trump’s time in office, disputes between Washington and European capitals frequently surfaced, particularly regarding tariffs on European goods, the U.S. withdrawal from international accords, and differing approaches to global governance.

The French president suggested that the previous U.S. administration favored bilateral dealings with individual European nations rather than engagement with EU institutions as a unified bloc. Critics of that approach argued it risked undermining European cohesion, while supporters maintained it reflected a preference for national sovereignty over supranational structures.

Transatlantic relations have historically been shaped by both cooperation and friction, with NATO and economic ties forming the backbone of the alliance. However, policy divergences in recent years have intensified debates within Europe about strategic autonomy and the need for stronger independent defense and economic frameworks.

While the Trump administration consistently rejected claims of hostility toward Europe, its emphasis on “America First” policies was often interpreted by European leaders as confrontational or disruptive to EU unity.

Macron’s latest comments may reignite political discussion on both sides of the Atlantic regarding the future of U.S.-EU relations and the balance between national interests and collective alliances.