Trump Slams France Over Palestine Move: “Doesn’t Carry Weight”

The Big Picture

French President Emmanuel Macron announced Thursday that France will formally recognize the State of Palestine during the upcoming United Nations General Assembly in September. Macron emphasized the urgency of an immediate ceasefire in Gaza, the delivery of humanitarian aid, and the demilitarization of Hamas as central components of the path to peace. The move places France in alignment with over 140 U.N. member states that have already recognized Palestine.

Trump: “That Statement Doesn’t Carry Weight”

Speaking to reporters at the White House on Friday, July 25, 2025, U.S. President Donald Trump offered a blunt response to France’s decision:

The President reiterated his administration’s longstanding position: any recognition of Palestinian statehood must come through direct negotiations with Israel and the Palestinian Authority—not through unilateral declarations or symbolic moves at the United Nations.

Rubio: “A Slap in the Face to the Victims of October 7th”

U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio issued a forceful rebuke on Thursday evening via X (formerly Twitter), condemning Macron’s proposal:

Rubio’s remarks align with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who echoed the criticism in a statement on X:

Global Context and Diplomatic Implications

France’s move sets a new precedent within the G7, signaling a potential shift in Western approaches to the Israel-Palestine conflict. While many European nations have signaled openness to a two-state solution, France’s formal recognition gives new diplomatic momentum to pro-Palestinian efforts.

Macron’s proposal includes a commitment to co-host a high-level U.N. peace conference with Saudi Arabia, aimed at reinvigorating stalled negotiations and providing a platform for ceasefire dialogue and aid coordination. According to Macron, the recognition of Palestine is “an essential step toward peace, provided it comes with guarantees for Israel’s security and Palestinian governance reform.”

What Comes Next

The 2025 United Nations General Assembly is scheduled to begin on September 9. France is expected to officially declare its recognition of Palestine during the opening session, triggering both diplomatic support and opposition.

While the United States will not participate in the planned France-Saudi peace conference, President Trump indicated his administration is “closely monitoring” the developments. Policy decisions or further statements from the White House may emerge in the lead-up to the September U.N. gathering.

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