French President Emmanuel Macron on Saturday welcomed the US Supreme Court’s decision to strike down former President Donald Trump’s emergency trade tariffs, saying the judgment underscored the importance of institutional checks, legal safeguards and the rule of law within democratic systems.
Speaking at the annual Agricultural Salon in Paris, Macron remarked that the ruling demonstrated the value of having independent institutions capable of balancing executive authority. Responding to a question about the court’s decision declaring the tariffs illegal, he said that democracies function best when power is accompanied by counterweights that ensure accountability and legal oversight.
He emphasised that the presence of a Supreme Court and adherence to the rule of law are essential features of democratic governance, noting that mechanisms limiting unilateral authority help maintain institutional balance. According to Macron, such safeguards prevent decisions taken by those in power from operating without scrutiny.
The French president also addressed the broader trade implications of Washington’s policies, stating that France would carefully assess the impact of Trump’s newly announced 10 per cent global tariff and adjust its economic strategy accordingly. He stressed that France intends to continue exporting key products — including agricultural goods, luxury items, fashion products and aeronautical equipment — despite evolving trade conditions.
Macron called for a measured and composed approach to trade tensions, arguing that international commerce should be guided by fairness and reciprocity rather than unilateral actions imposed by one country on others. He reiterated that balanced trade relations must be based on mutual respect and equal treatment among partners rather than decisions taken without consultation.
