Former French President François Hollande didn’t mince words in a recent Le Monde interview, declaring that under Donald Trump, the U.S. government has distanced itself from its European allies. While he acknowledged the enduring friendship between the American and French people, he argued that Trump’s administration is now “consorting with adversaries.”
Hollande pointed to several red flags: Trump’s inflammatory remark calling Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy a “dictator” (which he later walked back), his push for direct talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin, and the U.S. vote against a U.N. resolution condemning Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. These, he warned, could signal an impending rift between Europe and the U.S.
Despite his skepticism, Hollande didn’t fault President Emmanuel Macron for attempting to engage Trump during his Washington visit. However, he suggested Macron’s approach would’ve been stronger with other European leaders by his side, insisting that charm and persuasion wouldn’t sway Trump.
When pressed on whether Macron’s trip had delivered the “satisfying results” claimed by French officials, Hollande’s response was blunt: “No, because I’m lucid.”
Having played a key role in negotiating the failed Minsk agreements during Russia’s 2014 annexation of Crimea, Hollande remains a vocal figure in French politics. At 70, his name continues to surface as a potential contender for the 2027 presidential election.
