Macron says Trump's '51st state' remark signals U.S. distancing from allies

French President Emmanuel Macron criticized U.S. President Donald Trump's comment about Canada as a '51st state' and said it shows Washington is turning away from allies; Macron also warned that international law risks being replaced by the 'law of the strongest.'

French President Emmanuel Macron raised concerns about remarks from U.S. President Donald Trump suggesting Canada could become a "51st state." Macron addressed ambassadors in Paris and said such rhetoric shows Washington moving away from its allies, warning that international law risks being replaced by the "law of the strongest." His comments came in the context of recent reports about U.S. threats toward Greenland and a recent U.S. military operation in Venezuela. Key points: - Macron criticized Trump's comment suggesting Canada might be a "51st state." - Macron told ambassadors the remark signals the United States is turning away from allies and warned about the erosion of international law. - The remarks came amid reports of renewed U.S. threats toward Greenland and shortly after a U.S. military operation in Venezuela. - Former UN Ambassador Bob Rae said the comments align with a U.S. security approach that prioritizes force. Summary: Macron framed the comments as evidence of a broader shift in U.S. posture toward partners, and others connected the rhetoric to a security strategy that emphasizes force. Undetermined at this time.