French President Emmanuel Macron welcomed Donald Trump to Paris on Saturday with a full dose of presidential pomp as the two men resumed the relationship they established during Trump’s first term after a four-year hiatus.
As Trump arrived at the Elysee Palace, the official residence of the French president, Macron went out of his way to project an image of close ties, posing for multiple handshakes interspersed with plenty of back-patting. Trump said it was “a great honor” and talked about the “great relationship” they have had.
The red carpet treatment was yet another sign of how eager both Macron and other European leaders are to win Trump’s favor and placate him even before he takes office. Trump is known to revel in pomp and circumstance. One of his first trips as president his first term was to Paris, where Macron made him the guest of honor at Bastille Day events. Trump later said he wanted to replicate the grand military parade back in the United States.
Before they went inside, Trump said, “It certainly seems like the world is, going a little crazy right now. And we’ll be talking about that.” When he accepted the invitation to travel to Paris, Trump said Macron had done “a wonderful job ensuring that Notre Dame has been restored to its full level of glory, and even more so. It will be a very special day for all!” A fire in 2019 nearly destroyed the 861-year-old landmark.
More than 20 French government security agents were helping ensure Trump’s safety alongside the Secret Service, according to French national police. A special French police van provided anti-drone protection for Trump’s convoy. Security was tighter than usual outside the U.S. Embassy and other sites around Paris for the Notre Dame reopening, where dozens of international VIPs were expected.
Macron, who has had an up-and-down relationship with Trump, has made a point of cultivating a relationship since the Republican defeated Democrat Kamala Harris last month. But Macron’s office nonetheless played down the significance of the invitation, saying other politicians not now in office had been invited as well. Trump was invited as president-elect of a “friendly nation,” Macron’s office said, adding, “This is in no way exceptional, we’ve done it before.”
Macron also planned to meet with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. It’s not clear whether Trump will meet Zelenskyy, too. Trump has pledged to end the war in Ukraine swiftly but has not specified how, raising concerns in Kyiv about what terms may be laid out for any future negotiations.
In an effort to build trust with the incoming U.S. administration, Zelenskyy’s top aide Andriy Yermak met key members of Trump’s team on a two-day trip earlier this week. A senior Ukrainian official, who spoke on condition of anonymity as he was not authorized to speak publicly, described the meetings as productive, but declined to disclose details.
Relations between France and the U.S. during Trump’s first term began warmly enough but grew increasingly strained over time. Macron was the guest of honor at Trump’s first state dinner, and Trump traveled to France several times. But the relationship suffered after Macron criticized Trump for questioning the need for NATO and raising doubts about America’s commitment to the mutual defense pact.
During the 2024 presidential campaign, Trump often mocked Macron, imitating his accent and threatening to impose steep tariffs on wine and champagne bottles shipped to the U.S. if France tried to tax American companies. But Macron was one of the first global leaders to congratulate Trump last month after the election.
Trump was president in 2019 when the fire engulfed Notre Dame, collapsing its spire and threatening to destroy one of the world’s greatest architectural treasures, known for its mesmerizing stained glass. “So horrible to watch the massive fire at Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris,” he wrote on what was then Twitter, offering his advice to the city. “Perhaps flying water tankers could be used to put it out. Must act quickly!”
French officials appeared to respond shortly after, noting that “All means” were being used to extinguish the flames, “except for water-bombing aircrafts which, if used, could lead to the collapse of the entire structure of the cathedral.”
Conclusion:
The meeting between Macron and Trump is a significant development in the complex and often tumultuous relationship between the two leaders. Despite their differences, they have maintained a cordial relationship, and this meeting is an opportunity for them to discuss key issues and strengthen their ties.
FAQs:
Q: What is the significance of the meeting between Macron and Trump?
A: The meeting is a significant development in the complex and often tumultuous relationship between the two leaders. It provides an opportunity for them to discuss key issues and strengthen their ties.
Q: What are the key issues that Macron and Trump will discuss?
A: The two leaders will discuss a range of issues, including the war in Ukraine, the Middle East, and the relationship between France and the United States.
Q: What is the significance of the Notre Dame reopening ceremony?
A: The Notre Dame reopening ceremony is a significant event that marks the completion of the restoration of the cathedral. It is a symbol of French culture and heritage, and the ceremony will be attended by world leaders and dignitaries.
Q: What is the significance of Trump’s visit to France?
A: Trump’s visit to France is a significant event that marks a new chapter in the relationship between the two countries. It provides an opportunity for Trump to strengthen his ties with Macron and other European leaders, and to discuss key issues and challenges facing the world.
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