US President Donald Trump has hilariously and arrogantly impersonated French President Emmanuel Macron, adopting a cartoonish French accent during a White House roundtable on Friday. Trump recounted a phone conversation with Macron over rising drug prices, replaying both sides of the discussion with dramatic flair. He mimicked the French leader saying: “Yes, Donald, Donald. Thank you so much for calling.”

Switching back to his own voice, Trump said he was firm with Macron: “You’re not going to like this call. You’re going to have to get your drug prices up.” Then, slipping back into the French accent, he claimed Macron protested: “No, no, no, no, no, I will not do that.”

Trump said he followed up by threatening tariffs if Macron did not comply. “I said, ‘Emmanuel, we’re paying 13 times more than – 13 times, not 13% – 13 times more than you are for this bill’. I rattled off some numbers that are crazy. You know the numbers I’m talking about.”

He continued: “‘Here’s the story, Emmanuel. If you don’t do it, I’m going to put a 25% tariff on all goods, wine, champagnes and everything else coming into the United States of America.'”

Trump then mimicked Macron again, claiming he relented after the tariff threat: “He said, ‘Donald, I would love to do this for you. It would be a great honour to do it'”.

Despite the jibes, Trump insisted he is fond of Macron: “I like him a lot. I hope he’s listening, because he doesn’t believe that, but I do. He’s a nice man.”

Trump also revealed that Macron had begged him to keep the call secret: “Donald, you have a deal. I would like to increase my prescription drug prices by 200% or whatever. Whatever you want, Donald, please don’t tell the population, I beg you.”

Trump had recounted almost the same story in a slightly different way earlier this month at the House GOP retreat. On that occasion, he began: “Emmanuel Macron,” in an American accent, before correcting himself: “Macron,” in a strong French accent. He added: “I love the French accent,” and retold the same story, though this time claiming the US pays 14 times more than France for prescription drugs, instead of 13.

The mocking comes amid rising tensions between the US and its European allies over economics and geopolitics. But the mocking is also part of a long-running bromance between the two leaders, often reflected in firm handshakes. In previous years, Macron has left visible marks on Trump’s hand during high-profile G7 and Bastille Day greetings. In 2017, the world leaders shared a handshake lasting nearly 30 seconds.