Donald trump sticks knife into macron as protests erupt in paris

The US President took aim at his French counterpart on Twitter as he criticised the EU in an ongoing row over trade and defence. Mr Trump said: “The large and violent French protests don’t

take into account how badly the United States has been treated on Trade by the European Union or on fair and reasonable payments for our GREAT military protection. Both of these topics must

be remedied soon." The US President warned that “things must change” as he slammed the EU over military commitments and trade. Mr Trump added: “Europe has to pay their fair share for

Military Protection. “The European Union, for many years, has taken advantage of us on Trade, and then they don’t live up to their Military commitment through NATO. Things must change fast!”

The US President’s attack on Mr Macron comes as the French President was the subject of major riots over fuel taxes for the second weekend running. On Saturday French police clashed with

around 8,000 angry protestors on the Champs-Elysees in Paris, and 80,000 demonstrators took to the streets across the country. And last Saturday, further “yellow vest” protests took place

across the country in a backlash against higher fuel prices. Protesters held banners calling for Mr Macron to resign as the demonstrations increasingly become more about his reputation in

power. Mr Trump's demands over NATO defence contributions come amid growing tensions over the controversial idea of an EU army. Mr Macron and German Chancellor Angela Merkel are among

those who have called for the creation of a European army. Earlier this month, Mr Trump attacked Mr Macron over the proposal as the US President arrived in France for Remembrance events. Mr

Trump said: “President Macron of France has just suggested that Europe build its own military in order to protect itself from the US, China and Russia. “Very insulting, but perhaps Europe

should first pay its fair share of NATO, which the US subsidises greatly!” But Gavin Williamson, the UK’s defence secretary, insisted it was a “crazy idea”. Speaking on Tuesday, Mr

Williamson said: “You can absolutely rest assured that Britain will never become part of a European army on my watch. “It is an absolutely crazy idea. NATO has delivered European security

for the last 70 years and we should feel very proud of it. “Should we undermine that by forming a separate military force? Absolutely not. “To begin discussing a new EU army is dangerous and

undermines the security that Nato underwrites.”