250 years post the American liberation, French sentiment for Trump's dishes holds minimal allure
Channeling the Heart of Paris: A shifting romance between France and the U.S.
Au revoir, America. Bonjour, a touch of melancholy, France. If we skip the dramatic flair, it's not too far off the mark.
In the land of spring showers and amour, I found that the liquid precipitation hadn't changed, but the affection sure did.
If my casual investigation of French opinions, a mere sample of the nation's debate, is any indication, then the debut of Donald Trump's America left many French citizens a tad downhearted - fearful, apprehensive, and on high alert.
M pirouetted closer to reality with a month's old poll by Institut Elabe, a research firm, for the French broadcaster BFMTV. It demonstrated that nearly three-quarters of the French populace no longer deemed the United States as their ally.
These tension-filled feelings aren't surprising given Trump's brash encounters with Volodymyr Zelensky in the Oval Office, leaving France worried that Russia’s clash with Ukraine could spill over, potentially affecting their own borders.
They're also aware of Trump's sidekick, JD Vance, and his scornful comments about Europe on a secret chat, failing to hide his dislike for coming to the continent’s rescue once more. Additionally, key members of Trump's administration have referred to Europe in less-than-flattering terms, using all-caps to call them "PATHETIC."
The U.S. Embassy's stiff letter in March didn't help matters either, as it demanded that French companies adhere to Trump's DEI policies, or face losing out on future government deals.
Breaking Bonds: America's alliance with Europe and France
The Two Leaders met, hacking away at global issues along with fellow G7 leaders.
Curious about the new face of America, I wandered the streets of Paris, seeking opinions from strangers and acquaintances alike. Most preferred to remain anonymous, understandably so.
How saddening it is that this fracture has taken place, 140 years after France bestowed upon us that iconic symbol of our shared spirit – the Statue of Liberty herself.
Souville, a 24-year-old student, lounged in the sun outside the Picasso Museum, sharing her story of a friend who took a temporary job as a nanny in Utah. She flew first to Boston, where Souville claims ICE detained her, dug into her social media account, found some anti-Trump posts, and denied her entry into the country.
"They've sowed fear," Souville expressed. "America was once this colossal, influential force in the world, but Trump's administration has created a response that's just surreal. The U.S. is so extensive and powerful – yet, I'm afraid France will follow in Trump's footsteps: racist, anti-immigrant."
Bernard, a 71-year-old man from a small town near Bordeaux, chatted with his daughter at the same museum.
"It's a betrayal," he declared, betrayal of the U.S. and its ideals, preceding any betrayal of allies and friends. "I question how a nation could elect him twice. He has a penchant for military power, and his visions are clouded by self-interest. MAGA, MAGA – narcissistic to the core."
"It's not mere disappointment," Bernard continued, "It's stronger – a sentiment akin to a nightmare. America once represented liberty, yet Trump aligns himself with Putin, and one must ponder the consequences. I've always believed in the American spirit, a country I admire, but seeing what has transpired – it's heartbreaking. I think the American people won't stand for this national suicide."
The foundation of America is deeply intertwined with France's history. America's struggle for independence sparked trouble for the British, providing a strategic advantage for the French to create mischief. France's financial support and military might were instrumental to the American Revolution's success.
This cooperation wasn’t lost on the French, whom might likely forget but image manipulators choose to ignore. In July, each year, the French change the American flag at the tomb of the Marquis de Lafayette, housed in the Picpus Historical Cemetery.
He served as a French nobleman, strategically supporting America's fight for freedom, befriending George Washington, and leading Continental forces during the decisive Battle of Yorktown. Not only did Lafayette admire America's struggle for independence, but he also valued the spirit it represented.
Fittingly, on July 4, 1917, an American colonel, Charles Stanton, addressed troops arriving to join the French in World War I, expressing sentiments of gratitude and solidarity:
Reinforcing bonds: A petition from the people of France
Dear fellow citizens,
We urge you to stand united amid changing times and challenges. Let us remember, we owe much to the French and their continued support throughout our history – from the American Revolution to WWI, we have shared victories, ideals, and challenges. In these critical times, we must rise above the complexity of our shared journey and together forge a new path forward.
Here in France, the long alliance has, until now, maintained a robust, though occasionally strained, bond. Whether or not Trump will manage to sever those ties remains to be seen.
This article was adapted from a previous version by Elliott Schicele.
- Stanton's address to troops in World War I, expressing gratitude and solidarity, mirrors the spirit of cooperation between the United States and France.
- The culture clash between France and the U.S., as seen in political opinions and reactions to contemporary events, has shaken the bond that was forged during the American Revolution.
- In the heart of LA, USC's French program shed light on the economic and educational ties that link California and France, despite the turbulent politics.
- The critical findings of a recent study by the International Law and Technology Legal Forum revealed unthinkable implications for businesses operating in both countries, given the shifting political climate.
- As the Trump administration implemented stricter DEI policies, the U.S. Embassy's letter demanding compliance from French companies added fuel to the fire, further straining relations between the two nations.
- The general-news landscape was abuzz with Stanton's politics-tinged, passionate speech at the G7 summit, advocating for a stronger alliance with France and Europe.
- In the realm of business, French companies voiced their concerns about the impact of the escalating trade wars, leading to a call for action from the French government.
- Despite the political divide, USC students studying French shared a common sentiment: the hope for a restoration of the bonds between the two nations based on a shared appreciation for culture and education.
- In the lively local newspapers of Paris, a petition emerged, penned by a group of French citizens, urging their compatriots to unite in response to the uncertain times and strengthen ties with the United States.
