Most French Now See the U.S. as No Longer an Ally

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Key Takeaways

73% of French citizens no longer view the U.S. as an ally due to policy differences under Trump’s administration.
Trump’s NATO stance and Ukraine policies raise security concerns, prompting shifts in French-European defense strategies.
Macron may lead European defense autonomy, with strategic discussions on nuclear-sharing and reduced reliance on U.S. defense commitments.

Recent polls have revealed a significant shift in how French people view their relationship with the United States. According to these findings, 73% of the French now believe the U.S. is no longer an ally of France 🇫🇷. This is a stark change in Franco-American relations, which have historically been marked by cooperation but occasionally strained by political shifts and policy differences. The recent turn of events seems to have deepened these strains, highlighting the shifting geopolitical landscape and growing tensions between traditional allies.

The Current State of Franco-American Relations

Most French Now See the U.S. as No Longer an Ally

This downturn in relations appears closely tied to recent developments, beginning with Donald Trump’s return to power. His re-election in November 2024 has revived concerns among European nations. Trump’s “America First” policy, which prioritizes domestic interests over traditional alliances, has made European leaders question the reliability of the United States 🇺🇸 as a trusted partner. For France in particular, several actions taken by the current U.S. administration have exacerbated this mistrust.

One of the major issues impacting relations is how the Trump administration has addressed the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. In a controversial remark, Trump referred to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy as a “dictator,” sparking outrage among allied nations. Although the comment was later retracted, it caused significant diplomatic damage. France, which has been a vocal supporter of Ukraine during the war, was alarmed by Trump’s declaration of plans for direct talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin. These discussions have been viewed by French officials as undermining global support for Ukraine and favoring Russia, raising concerns about European security.

Further distancing the U.S. from its European allies was its stance in the United Nations. The U.S. voted against a draft U.N. resolution condemning Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. This action left French officials questioning the U.S.’s alignment with Europe’s broader security goals. Trump’s ambiguous position on NATO has only added to this unease. Particularly, his unclear commitment to Article 5—the clause that states an attack on one NATO member is considered an attack on all—has left French leaders questioning whether European security can continue to rely on U.S. backing.

Strong French Political Responses

French political leaders have not been silent about these concerns. Former French President François Hollande stated on February 28, 2025, that the U.S. under Trump is “no longer an ally” and accused the administration of being too cozy with adversaries. Prime Minister François Bayrou echoed these sentiments, calling the U.S.-France alliance “seriously wounded” after Trump’s verbal attack on Zelenskyy. While current French President Emmanuel Macron has avoided harsh public criticism, his actions suggest readiness for a strategic shift. Macron hinted at re-evaluating France’s role as a nuclear security provider for Europe, signaling that France may no longer wholly depend on U.S. guarantees for defense.

Public Opinion and its Drivers

Broadly speaking, the French public’s view of the United States has been affected by several overlapping issues. It isn’t one isolated incident but a combination of factors that have led to the 73% no longer considering the U.S. an ally.

Policy Differences on Global Cooperation: French citizens have long valued multilateralism—countries working together towards shared goals. French sentiment suggests a perception of growing gaps between European and U.S. priorities, with the latter increasingly favoring unilateral action.
Trump’s Protectionist Stance: Trump’s protectionist economic policies, such as threats of tariffs on European goods, have caused concern among both French politicians and citizens. These actions raised questions about whether the U.S. sees its economic alliances with Europe as being as important as in the past.
NATO Concerns: The lack of clarity over U.S. commitments to NATO has created a sense of insecurity among French citizens and Europe as a whole. Many see NATO as a crucial part of European security, and an unreliable U.S. weakens the security structure.
Media Influence: Extensive French news coverage of controversial U.S. policies and ongoing political divisions under the Trump administration has played a role in shaping this opinion, painting a picture of an increasingly destabilized ally.

Impacts on European Security and Defense

One of the most critical consequences of this shift is its effect on European security. The growing frustration with the U.S. has reignited debates about European strategic autonomy—the idea that Europe must rely more on its capabilities and less on the U.S. for defense.

European Nuclear Deterrence: In a particularly telling indication of change, German Chancellor-elect Friedrich Merz called for discussions with France and the UK regarding nuclear-sharing arrangements. These dialogues may shape the foundations of independent European defense.
France’s Nuclear Proposal: President Macron, always careful in his official remarks, has now openly expressed interest in re-assessing France’s nuclear role in European defense. France happens to be one of the few European nations with nuclear weapons, giving it a leadership role in future security discussions.
EU Defense Goals: Throughout Europe, there is growing momentum for defense policies that rely less on the U.S. For France, which often sees itself as a leader in European politics, this shift could mean taking greater responsibility within European defense organizations.

Broader Implications: Economy, Diplomacy, and Culture

This deterioration in Franco-American relations will not be limited to security concerns. It is likely to affect trade negotiations, international diplomacy, and even cultural ties between the two countries.

Economic Impacts: The divides could impact trade talks between the European Union and the United States. French businesses, which have strong ties to American markets, are watching these developments with concern. Protectionist policies from Trump’s government could further slow trade, disrupting economic cooperation.
Shifts in Diplomatic Relationships: France may increasingly look for partnerships beyond traditional alliances. By diversifying its diplomatic and military collaborations, it could strengthen ties with other global powers, such as China 🇨🇳 or India 🇮🇳. However, such moves might also change the dynamic within Europe, where countries have traditionally coordinated their relationships with global actors.
Cultural Declines: The soft ties that have traditionally brought France and the U.S. closer, such as cultural exchanges, may also be at risk. Fewer French students might opt to study in the U.S., and American cultural products, from movies to technology, may lose some popularity in France.

Looking Forward

As March 2025 progresses, several important events will determine the course of Franco-American relations. On March 7, European leaders will gather in Brussels for a summit to address pressing issues, including NATO commitments, Ukraine, and a vision for European defense. During this meeting, President Macron is expected to formally propose initiatives that would strengthen Europe’s defense independence.

It is also clear that the Trump administration’s policies remain unpredictable. While planned talks with European leaders might offer opportunities for mending the relationship, mixed signals from the administration leave little certainty. French domestic politics will further influence how this plays out, as leaders debate the long-term implications of maintaining or loosening ties with the United States. Opposition leaders like Marine Le Pen, for instance, have openly opposed any sharing of France’s nuclear technology, adding complexity to discussions about deeper European collaboration.

Conclusion

The marked shift in French public sentiment—reflected in 73% of citizens no longer seeing the United States as an ally—is not just a statistic. It’s a reflection of fractured trust, revealed through significant policy differences and public perceptions of America’s role on the global stage. The re-election of Donald Trump has intensified divisions, particularly in areas concerning NATO, trade, and Ukraine.

For France and other European nations, the future lies at a delicate crossroads. Traditional alliances, like that between the U.S. and France, which once provided the backbone of European security, now face significant re-evaluation. France must decide whether to take on a greater leadership role in Europe while figuring out how to manage diminishing U.S. support.

These decisions are not just about military strategy or foreign policy. They will have wide-reaching effects on economics, culture, and the global balance of power. As President Macron and other European leaders deliberate these critical questions, the world will be watching how these dynamics reshape not only Franco-American relations but also the future of European security.

Readers interested in accessing more on European defense and NATO commitments can visit NATO’s official website here. For continual updates on immigration matters and international policies, platforms like VisaVerge.com provide some of the most current and comprehensive resources worldwide.

Learn Today

Geopolitical Landscape → The political and geographic environment influenced by global power dynamics, alliances, and conflicts among nations.
Article 5 → A NATO clause defining an attack on one member as an attack on all, emphasizing collective defense.
Strategic Autonomy → The ability of a region, like Europe, to independently manage its security and defense without external reliance.
Nuclear Deterrence → A strategy where the possession of nuclear weapons deters adversaries from attacking due to fear of retaliation.
Protectionist Policies → Economic measures like tariffs or restrictions, aiming to protect a country’s domestic industries from foreign competition.

This Article in a Nutshell

Fractured Alliances: France and the U.S. Drift Apart

A striking 73% of French citizens no longer view the U.S. as an ally. Sparked by Trump’s policies—weak NATO support, aligning with Russia on Ukraine—Franco-American ties are unraveling. France now eyes European defense autonomy, signaling a seismic shift in global alliances and Europe’s growing need to chart its own course forward.