Leaders from around the world have been gathering in New York City for the annual United Nations summit. Unsurprisingly, the United States, and the Trump administration in particular, are the topics of much discussion. Perhaps more so than any other point in recent history, the United States has found itself largely isolated, and President Donald Trump even found himself the subject of laughter while addressing world leaders.
Behind the scenes, talks are believed to be just as contentious. Reportedly, President Trump went off on French President Emmanuel Macron during a meeting on the sidelines of the General Assembly. Trump claimed that the trade policies of the European Union are even worse than those of China. Trump also tried to pressure Macron to open up agricultural trade.
President Trump may have a point about trade with the EU: the United States suffered a $151 billion trade deficit with the European Union in 2017. Whether that’s due to unfair trade policies or other conditions, it’s hard to say.
President Macron, while respectful, countered the president on certain points. Macron has had a generally warm relationship with President Trump, especially compared to other leaders from the EU. But now, the relationship appears to be deteriorating. Just a day after meeting with Trump, Macron addressed the General Assembly and his speech appeared to sharply rebuke the president’s policies.
Macron argued that “new protectionisms” will not work, striking at Trump over the growing trade war. He also urged leaders to reject “the law of the most powerful,” a seeming shot at the United States. Macron also raised the issue of climate change. The Trump administration has received flak for pulling out of the Paris Accords in June of 2017. Macron argued: “Even those who contest the reality” of climate change “are suffering its consequences like everyone else.”
Ultimately, Trump drew laughter after claiming that his administration had accomplished more than any other administration, while Macron received thunderous applause for pushing back against the swelling tide of anti-globalism.
