French President Emmanuel Macron and his wife Brigitte have initiated a defamation lawsuit in the U.S. against right-wing influencer Candace Owens, contesting her claims that the First Lady is male. The Macrons allege Owens’ statements, which include the false assertion that Brigitte Macron was born under a different name, constitute a campaign of global humiliation intended to boost her podcast and fan base. The lawsuit highlights the Macrons’ rejection of Owens’ refusal to retract the defamatory statements, which included allegations about the couple’s personal history. The case is notable as a rare instance of a world leader pursuing a defamation claim, navigating the high legal standards required for public figures in U.S. courts.
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President Emmanuel Macron of France has withdrawn from a United Nations conference focused on the future of the Gaza Strip and the recognition of a Palestinian state. The conference’s purpose was to deliberate on post-war plans for Gaza and to facilitate the phased recognition of a Palestinian state. The event aimed to address the aftermath of the ongoing Israel-Hamas War. This decision by Macron reflects a shift in the French position.
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On July 13, 2025, French President Emmanuel Macron addressed military leaders, revealing a plan for 6.5 billion euros in additional military spending over the next two years, citing unprecedented threats from Russia, terrorism, and cyberattacks. This will bring France’s annual defense spending to 64 billion euros by 2027, doubling the amount from his initial presidency. Macron emphasized the need for a powerful France to protect European freedom, due to instability from the war in Ukraine and uncertainty regarding the United States’ role. The President also initiated a strategic dialogue with European partners to discuss the role of France’s nuclear arsenal in defense.
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French President Emmanuel Macron has warned of an unprecedented threat to European freedom, emphasizing the need for increased defense spending. He announced plans to double France’s military budget by 2027, highlighting a rising geopolitical instability and the return of nuclear power. Macron’s address, delivered to the armed forces in Paris, referenced Russia’s actions in Ukraine and called for France to become a more powerful force to be feared. The proposals, which would bring the budget to €64 billion, are still subject to government approval.
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During his state visit to the UK, French President Emmanuel Macron emphasized the need for European countries to lessen their reliance on both the US and China, citing concerns about trade imbalances and technological dependencies. Macron highlighted the importance of cooperation between France and the UK on issues like migration, and a youth mobility scheme. The president framed this as an effort to secure a sustainable future by de-risking economies from these dual dependencies, while also calling for closer collaboration to address global challenges like terrorism and defend shared values. Macron’s visit also included a focus on cultural exchange, referencing historical ties and signaling a new chapter in Anglo-French relations.
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French President Emmanuel Macron will visit Greenland on June 15th, meeting with Greenland’s and Denmark’s prime ministers. This visit follows recent U.S. expressions of interest in acquiring Greenland, prompting concerns about the island’s sovereignty. The trip demonstrates European Union solidarity with Greenland and Denmark in the face of these geopolitical challenges. Discussions will focus on regional security, economic development, climate change, and energy.
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Video footage of French President Emmanuel Macron and his wife Brigitte sparked media speculation after showing Brigitte appearing to push Macron’s face away upon disembarking their plane in Vietnam. President Macron clarified that the interaction was playful banter, dismissing the incident as an overblown reaction and a cautionary example of social media disinformation. His office similarly characterized the moment as a private joke between the couple before their official engagements. The incident highlighted the ease with which seemingly innocuous moments can be misinterpreted and amplified online.
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In a May 13th TF1 broadcast, President Macron detailed his plans for his final two years in office, addressing both domestic and international concerns. He discussed the ongoing war in Ukraine, advocating for continued sanctions against Russia while emphasizing the need to avoid escalating the conflict, and criticized Israel’s handling of the Gaza humanitarian crisis. Significantly, Macron announced plans for multiple concurrent referendums on key social and economic reforms, including debt reduction, social media access for minors, and assisted dying, though immigration will not be included. This televised event marked a renewed effort by Macron to re-engage with the French public and address national concerns.
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In response to the ongoing war in Ukraine, President Macron confirmed France’s intention to impose sanctions against Russia. While expressing openness to discussions regarding a shared nuclear umbrella with European allies, he stipulated that France would bear no financial burden for the security of others and maintained sole authority over nuclear arsenal deployment. Macron dismissed seizing frozen Russian assets, citing a lack of legal precedent. He intends to formally detail his plans regarding nuclear cooperation in the coming weeks and months.
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A video showing a small bag of white powder and a spoon on a table during a meeting between French President Macron, British Prime Minister Starmer, and German Chancellor Merz aboard a train to Kyiv has sparked controversy. Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova, referencing this video, indirectly accused the three leaders of drug use, further alleging that Ukrainian President Zelensky is a cocaine addict. These accusations have not been substantiated, and the leaders involved have not yet responded to the allegations. The incident occurred during a high-profile visit to show continued support for Ukraine.
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John Q. Hosedrinker