Macron and Starmer Have Played Trump’s Game Before, but the Rules Are Changing
French President Emmanuel Macron and UK Labour leader Keir Starmer have both found themselves in the crosshairs of former US President Donald Trump in the past. They have been the targets of Trump’s fiery rhetoric and attacks, but they have also engaged with him in various ways. However, as Trump’s era comes to an end and the Biden administration takes the reins, the rules of engagement are changing.
Macron and Starmer have both faced Trump’s unpredictable behavior and bombastic style. Macron, in particular, has had a complex relationship with Trump, from their infamous handshake battle to their disagreements on issues such as climate change and trade. Starmer, on the other hand, has criticized Trump’s policies and rhetoric, calling him a “racist” and a “liar.”
Despite their differences with Trump, both Macron and Starmer have also tried to engage with him diplomatically. Macron invited Trump to Paris for Bastille Day celebrations in 2017, and Starmer met with Trump during his state visit to the UK in 2019. They have both tried to find common ground with Trump on certain issues, while also standing firm on their own principles.
However, with Joe Biden now in the White House, the dynamics have shifted. Biden has made it clear that he will take a more traditional approach to diplomacy and foreign relations, focusing on alliances and cooperation rather than confrontation and isolationism. Macron and Starmer have welcomed Biden’s presidency and have expressed their desire to work closely with the new administration.
The rules of the game have changed, and Macron and Starmer will need to adapt to this new reality. They will have to navigate a more predictable and stable relationship with the US, while also standing firm on their own values and principles. They will need to find common ground with Biden on issues such as climate change, trade, and global security, while also holding him accountable on issues where they disagree.
Macron and Starmer have played Trump’s game before, but now they will have to play by a different set of rules. It will be interesting to see how they navigate this new landscape and how they build relationships with the Biden administration. One thing is certain – the days of unpredictable tweets and volatile diplomacy are behind us, and a new chapter in international relations is unfolding.