French President Emmanuel Macron has reached out to former U.S. President Donald Trump with a request to lift sanctions deemed unjust against certain European citizens, including Thierry Breton, a former European commissioner, and Nicolas Guillou, a judge at the International Criminal Court. These sanctions were imposed by the U.S. State Department in December 2025, accusing Breton of 'censorship' that allegedly undermined American interests.

In his letter, Macron expressed personal concern regarding these sanctions and emphasized the importance of reconsidering their impact on individuals like Breton and Guillou. Both of these figures play significant roles in European governance and law, and Macron's plea highlights the ongoing tensions between the U.S. and Europe over issues related to regulation and freedom of expression. The letter also underscores France's diplomatic efforts to protect its citizens from what it views as punitive measures.

This request comes at a time when France and the U.S. are navigating complex international relations. By directly addressing former President Trump, Macron aims to foster dialogue and establish a common ground that can prevent further escalation of tensions. The outcome of this appeal could have implications not only for Breton and Guillou but also for Franco-American relations moving forward, potentially easing restrictions that might affect broader European interests in the digital and legal arenas.