Philippe Etienne considers the words more than flowery. And far from diplomatic language”, said Philippe Etienne. On France info this Monday, April 6th, the former French ambassador to the United States between 2019 and 2023 commented on the latest ultimatum set by Donald Trump to Iran. “Open the damn Strait, you bunch of bastards, or you will live in Hell – YOU WILL SEE! Glory to Allah!”, wrote the American president on his Truth Social network this Sunday, more than a month after the start of the war he triggered with Israel against the Tehran regime.
“He puts as much pressure as he can on his opponents,” analyzes Philippe Etienne.
To explain it, you have to look beyond the Atlantic, according to the diplomat. “Let’s not forget that there are a few elections in November. And the price at the pump, which is high in the United States, is rising,” he recalls.
“He has surrounded himself with loyalists”
The midterm elections are set to take place at the beginning of November 2026 and could result in Donald Trump’s party losing a majority in the Senate and the House of Representatives. “Currently, the polls are not good,” sums up Philippe Etienne. “I think that’s an important factor for Donald Trump.”
“President Trump is guided by the state of public opinion and the state of financial markets,” he emphasizes, as the White House tenant has been accused several times since his return to Washington of insider trading.
Furthermore, his style is “increasingly uninhibited,” notes Philippe Etienne. “He has always been, even under his first term. But now, it’s even clearer and increasing.”
With a significant difference from his first term in the White House: “He is no longer surrounded by people who can tell him, and who dare to tell him, that there are times when they do not agree,” explains Philippe Etienne. “Donald Trump has surrounded himself with loyalists, even people who encourage him,” he adds, refusing to use the term “madness” to describe the attitude of the American president.
“In terms of decision-making, he follows his instinct. He has also been encouraged by the success of operations in Venezuela,” adds the diplomat. In early January 2026, Donald Trump had ordered American special forces to capture and bring back to American soil the president of Venezuela, Nicolas Maduro.
So, few things are likely to change in the coming weeks. “Even if his own military probably warn him of the risks of such or such an operation, he is very impressed by his prowess and successes himself,” said Philippe Etienne.
