"I saw Emmanuel Macron yesterday, with very nice sunglasses," U.S. President Donald Trump said at the World Economic Forum (WEF) in Davos, Switzerland, on 21/1, referring to his French counterpart before pausing.
"What the hell is going on?" Trump added, changing his tone, which made the audience laugh. Observers noted that Trump's mockery underscored a deepening disagreement between the two allied nations on issues such as economics, territory, and the future of NATO.
Trump mocked Macron during his speech in Davos, Switzerland. Video: WEF
Trump also criticized Macron for "trying to act tough" in past discussions about drug prices. He accused the French President of hesitating to raise drug prices to match U.S. levels.
"I told him, 'Emmanuel, you have benefited from the U.S. for the past 30 years because of cheap prescription drug prices. You really should do that, and you will have to do it,'" Trump continued.
The Trump administration recently sought to lower domestic drug prices, reaching discount agreements with many pharmaceutical companies. It also linked Medicare reimbursement rates to the lowest prices drug companies applied in other developed nations. Trump argued that Americans were subsidizing low drug prices abroad, including in France.
"If you do not raise drug prices, I will impose a 25% tariff on everything you sell to the U.S. I will impose a 100% tariff on your wine and champagne," the U.S. President stated.
After issuing the threat, Trump then praised Macron. "I like him, I really do," he said. "It's unbelievable, isn't it?"
President Macron drew attention on 20/1 when he spoke at the WEF wearing aviator-style sunglasses with reflective blue lenses. The image quickly spread across media and social networks.
"The President wore the glasses due to light sensitivity, until a minor issue mentioned last week resolved itself," an Elysee Palace spokesperson told euronews.
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French President Emmanuel Macron wore sunglasses while speaking at the World Economic Forum (WEF) in Davos, Switzerland, on 20/1/2026. Photo: Reuters
A few days earlier, Macron's right eye showed symptoms of redness and swelling when he addressed armed forces members at the Istres air base in southern France. He apologized for appearing "less than aesthetically pleasing," but affirmed that his condition was "completely harmless." He even joked that people should see it as a "tiger eye" symbolizing determination.
Nhu Tam (According to Reuters, AFP)
