In a memoir released on June 4, 2025, former French Prime Minister Michel Barnier recounts an unexpected encounter with former U.S. President Donald Trump at the Élysée Palace on December 7 of the previous year.

The meeting took place during a ceremony marking the reopening of Notre-Dame Cathedral in Paris, which was attended by several state leaders, including Trump.

During this event, French President Emmanuel Macron introduced Barnier to Trump, referring to him as the Premier ministre.

Barnier, however, clarified that he is a former Prime Minister and expressed uncertainty about continuing in politics at the age of 73.

Despite Barnier's hesitations, Trump reportedly encouraged him, stating, "That doesn’t stop anything! I’m 78. And you are tall, you are solid, you stand tall… You have to continue!" This exchange has drawn attention as Barnier shares it in his book, titled 'Ce que j’ai appris de vous'.

Barnier also mentions that Trump is not the only political figure who has urged him to remain active.

In a recent interview, Barnier expressed his readiness to serve his country, while also highlighting that political engagement is a collective European endeavor.

His political journey has continued with his recent election as President of the National Council of the Republicans, a key internal party body, which is set to convene in Paris on June 28.

The memoir touches on Barnier's thwarted European ambitions, specifically citing former German Chancellor Angela Merkel as having hindered his aspirations to lead the European Commission on two occasions.

Additionally, he critiques what he perceives as an authoritarian shift within the European executive, which he argues began under José Manuel Barroso and intensified during Ursula von der Leyen's leadership.