In recent days France's political leaders are taking a stronger line against US president Donald Trump, from sending troops to Greenland as part of a NATO exercise to calling out Trump's 'fake news' on drug prices.
But Americans in France have no control over Trump's politics - and many actively oppose him.
Listen to the team at The Local discussing the latest developments on this topic in the Talking France podcast. Download here or listen on the link below
But are they facing blame from French people around them?
After receiving an email from a reader in the US asking if he should cancel his trip to France, The Local asked American readers if they thought the French were treating them differently in the current geopolitical context.
In general, Americans living in France are more likely to vote Democrat than Republican, but all the survey respondents were opposed to Trump's policies over Greenland and Europe, describing them as "horrifying".
Camryn Okahara, living in Brittany, thinks "it's outrageous, ridiculous and I firmly believe that the current President is effectively turning America into a dictatorship. I certainly do not support any conflict with any other country and am in support to leave Greenland alone."
Kathy, residing in Roanne, agrees and said she was "baffled, afraid of what he’ll do next and angry that those Americans in a position to oppose him facilitate him instead by doing nothing".
When answering the question about feeling unwelcome in France, most people said they did not see a change in how they were being treated. Many saw a sort of curiosity coming from the locals.
Alexander, living in Paris, said that "they are maybe more curious to hear what I think, and obviously their overall view of America has worsened, but then again most Americans would agree."
And others echoed the same sentiment. Steve Kocheran, an American living in France also a French citizen said, "I haven't experienced any difference in how people treat me. Yet they are questioning how he could have been elected. Most people don't ever want to go to the US on vacation. They see it as unsafe".
An anonymous respondent said that they "found the French people curious about our feelings and they expressed their sympathy that we had to deal with such a hostile government. It is also quite obvious they are absolutely stunned by the behaviour of our current administration."
READ ALSO: Checklist: How to move to France as an American
Others have noticed a lot of empathy towards their situation.
James who lives in Paris said "no change in how I’ve been treated. I feel the French more sympathetic towards me because of Trump and his outrageous actions."
PJ Dean, who does not live in France but has travelled there many times and most recently this summer, explains that the "French have always been warm, welcoming and understanding to our current situation. I have not experienced any hostility towards me simply for being American."
Jennifer O'Donnell from Colorado and living in Paris feels the same way, "the only change I have noticed over the years of living here is more concern from the French on what is happening in the US, and more concern for me as a person. They are shocked at the course of events and express sorrow and empathy toward me."
READ ALSO: Americans in France: The tricky civics test and Hollywood's francophiles
And only a few respondents have felt a slight shift since Trump has become president.
Facteur65, living in Dordogne, says that "the locals were very pro-American before. Now, they are very concerned and don't react as positively when they find out I'm American".
John Wells, currently on a long stay visa in France, said the negative experience was only online, "in a comment posted on a YouTube video we participated in, one of the comments said the U.S. was at war with France and all Americans should go back."
Thank you to everyone who responded to this survey and shared their thoughts.
Comments (2)