Donald Trump sparked a new diplomatic controversy by publicly mocking French President Emmanuel Macron during a roughly hour-and-a-half-long speech to House Republicans at the Donald J. Trump – John F. Kennedy Center in Washington .

During his speech, the former US president recounted a conversation he claims to have had with Emmanuel Macron regarding prescription drug prices and trade relations between the United States and France. In a mocking tone, Donald Trump impersonated the French president, asserting that Macron had begged him not to publicize any potential increase in drug prices in France.

According to Trump, Emmanuel Macron reportedly told him:

"Donald, you have a deal. I'd like to raise the price of my prescription drugs by 200% or whatever. Anything you want, Donald, but I beg you, don't tell the public."

This statement, delivered in a theatrical, almost theatrical style, elicited immediate reactions from the Republican audience, provoking laughter and applause. Donald Trump used this episode to illustrate his past strategy of pressuring foreign leaders through the threat of sanctions or tariffs , particularly on European imports.

However, the French presidency has not officially confirmed this conversation, and no changes to drug prices in France have been announced to date. Several observers believe these remarks were more of a political stunt than a true account of diplomatic exchanges.

This statement is part of a partisan discourse , primarily aimed at galvanizing the Republican base, just months before major political events in the United States. It also illustrates Donald Trump's provocative style , often characterized by direct verbal attacks against foreign leaders.