Trump Uses French Accent During Discussion on Drug Prices

During a roundtable discussion at the White House on Friday, President Donald Trump employed a French accent while recounting a call he had with French President Emmanuel Macron about reducing drug prices.

The president was hosting a Rural Health Roundtable, celebrating progress made in rural areas under the recently enacted “Big, Beautiful Act” from July 2025. In his talk with lawmakers and health officials, Trump mentioned a conversation with Macron that revolved around aligning drug prices in the U.S. with those in Europe, which are significantly lower.

“I said, ‘Emanuel,'” Trump recalled, mimicking Macron’s response, “‘Yes, Donald, Donald. Thank you very much for calling,'” with an accent that seemed to suggest he was role-playing.

In May, Trump issued an executive order promoting a “most-favored-nation” drug pricing approach, which aims to ensure American drug prices do not surpass the lowest prices set by other wealthy nations for identical medications. He noted that countries like France benefit from lower prices, allowing pharmaceutical companies to shift costs onto American consumers.

During the conversation, Trump mentioned he had warned of possible tariffs on European imports to incentivize raising their drug prices, saying to Macron, “‘We need to raise drug prices.'” He humorously added in an accent, “No, no, no, I wouldn’t do that.” He emphasized, “Emmanuel, we’re paying 13 times more. Not 13%, but 13 times more. This bill is 13 times more than you.”

He further elaborated, joking, “‘Here’s the story, Emanuel. If you don’t do it, I’m going to impose a 25 percent tariff on all goods that come into the United States, wine, champagne, everything.'” At one point in their dialogue, Macron is said to have responded, “Donald, I would love to do this for you. I would be very honored to do it,” leading Trump to connect with various nations on the issue.

Previously, Trump had used an accent while discussing Macron, remarking on his admiration for the French leader, whom he described as “a very nice person.” He added, “I love him so much. I hope he listens because he doesn’t believe it, but I do.” A request for comment from Macron’s office has not yet received a reply.