French President Emmanuel Macron walked a fine line in Washington, mixing warmth with quiet defiance in his meeting with Donald Trump. Calling him “Dear Donald” multiple times at a joint press conference, Macron reinforced the deep ties between France and the U.S. while pushing back on key issues, particularly Ukraine.

When Trump claimed Europe would “get their money back” for supporting Ukraine, Macron corrected him with a smile: “We provided real money.” Unlike Trump, he directly labeled Russia as the aggressor and later, in a Fox News interview, criticized the idea of U.S. tariffs on European goods. “How do you want us to increase security and defense expenditures if we are in a trade war?” he asked.

Europe’s Growing Uncertainty

Macron’s visit was part of a broader European diplomatic push, with British Prime Minister Keir Starmer set to meet Trump next and EU leaders gathering for crucial discussions. With the war in Ukraine dragging on and U.S. commitment in question, European leaders are reassessing their security strategies.

Britain has announced a military spending increase, and European officials are coordinating more closely on defense. A special EU summit on March 6 will focus on reinforcing Europe’s military readiness and ensuring continued aid to Ukraine.

A Shift in Transatlantic Relations

Trump’s increasingly skeptical stance toward NATO and his overtures toward Russia have rattled European capitals. While Macron has long championed “strategic autonomy” for Europe, his position—once met with hesitation—is now gaining traction.

“We now understand it is our duty as Europeans to take on more responsibility for our own security,” Macron said. He even suggested that European forces could play a role in Ukraine—not in combat but as part of a future peacekeeping effort.

Yet doubts remain over whether European leaders can influence Trump’s policies. The fear is that he may negotiate a rapid peace deal with Russia without consulting Ukraine or its allies, leaving Kyiv vulnerable and emboldening Putin. Macron pointed to past failed cease-fire agreements, warning, “It was violated every time by Russia, and we didn’t react.”

Europe Braces for the Future

Despite Macron’s efforts, French media remained skeptical. Libération warned that “behind the outward smiles, a wall is rising” between the U.S. and Europe. Le Figaro noted the lack of concrete commitments from Trump, while Le Monde bluntly stated: “Hope is slim” for European influence over Trump, and the continent must be ready to stand on its own.

Macron’s diplomatic balancing act—flattery paired with firm resistance—reflects Europe’s struggle to navigate an uncertain future. Whether this strategy will keep the U.S. engaged remains to be seen.