Fact Check: Did Macron say Europe 'cannot depend on mood of a 79-year-old man' about Trump?
WASHINGTON, DC: A claim has been circulating on social media platforms that French President Immanuel Macron slammed President Donald Trump for the conflict in the Middle East, which has intensified following the death of the Iranian Supreme Leader. The claim has sparked speculation among many. Let us analyze and fact-check the viral rumor.
Claim: Immanuel Macron slammed Donald Trump
According to the viral claim, Macron appeared to speak on behalf of Europe against the war in Iran. Macron allegedly said that "Europe cannot depend on the mood of a 79-year-old man."
The claim surfaced after Macron stated that France would not participate in any task force related to operations in the Hormuz Strait until ongoing hostilities come to an end.
The claim has been circulating on various social media platforms, including X, Facebook, and Instagram, garnering hundreds of thousands of views.
While many shared the claim, assuming it to be true, others remained sceptical and questioned the authenticity of the rumor.
Fact Check: False, Immanuel Macron never said those words
The claim, however, is false, as there is no evidence that Macron made those exact words, despite the disagreement with Trump’s proposal to reopen the Hormuz Strait in a joint operation with NATO.
A search on Google for the claim produced no results about any prominent news media outlets, such as Reuters, BBC, or Al Jazeera, reporting on the remark.
Donald Trump hits back at Immanuel Macron
When asked for his response to Macron’s disagreement, Trump appeared dismissive, questioning the statement before suggesting that Macron “will be out of office very soon.”
His comments underscored frustration over what he sees as a lack of allied support during a critical moment. Macron’s position signals France’s reluctance to engage in active military involvement while tensions remain high, favoring a more cautious, conditional approach.
The exchange reflects widening differences among Western allies over strategy, timing, and participation in ongoing geopolitical operations.
Earlier in February, Macron said the Trump administration was 'openly anti‑European' and seeking the EU’s 'dismemberment,' warning that further tensions were likely, particularly over Europe's technology.
In an interview with several European newspapers, the French president cautioned that any current lull in friction should not be mistaken for a lasting change in Washington's posture.
