Macron Urges Increased Defense Spending for Europe Amid Trump's Presidency

Macron urged Europe to increase defense spending to reduce reliance on the US for security. He viewed Washington's policy changes as an "opportunity for a European strategic wake-up call." Trump criticized the war in Ukraine's cost for US taxpayers and pushed for Europe to take on more fiscal responsibility. Macron also called on European leaders to prioritize support for Ukraine to bolster its position in future peace talks.