Macron interrupts as Trump says ‘Europe merely loaning money to Ukraine’

The French President — unusually for any visitor to the Oval Office — interrupted his 78-year-old counterpart when Mr. Trump repeated a false claim that Europe was merely loaning Ukraine money and would get it back.

They hugged, they gripped hands, they touched knees and they backslapped. But they did not agree on everything.

French President Emmanuel Macron and U.S. President Donald Trump rekindled the most touchy-feely bromance in world politics as they met on Monday (February 24, 2025) for talks on Ukraine.

The pair have a long history of public displays of affection dating back to Mr. Trump's first term in power — and as Mr. Macron returned for Trump 2.0, it seemed like another lovefest.

But as they met in the Oval Office, tensions over Mr. Trump's sudden pivot to Russia over the Ukraine war bubbled up to the surface, even if Mr. Macron softened the blow with yet another physical gesture.

The French President — unusually for any visitor to the Oval Office — interrupted his 78-year-old counterpart when Mr. Trump repeated a false claim that Europe was merely loaning Ukraine money and would get it back.

"No, in fact, to be frank," said Mr. Macron, touching his U.S. counterpart's arm to stop him mid-sentence, "We paid 60 percent of the total effort and it was — like the U.S. — loans, guarantees, grants."

Mr. Trump smirked and said after Mr. Macron spoke: "If you believe that, it's ok with me."