French President Emmanuel Macron welcomed Donald Trump in 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.
Trump, the former and future US president, said the two would discuss a world that has become “a little crazy” as they met face to face before celebrating the reopening of Notre Dame Cathedral five years after the devastating fire.
As Trump arrived at the Elysee Palace, the official residence of the French President, Macron did his best to present an image of close relations, as he stood for several handshakes, interspersed with many pats on the back. Trump said it was a “great honor” and spoke of the “wonderful relationship” they have.
Trump said the two would discuss a world that has become “a little crazy” as they met face-to-face before celebrating the reopening of Notre Dame Cathedral five years after the devastating fire.
At the palace, the grand red carpet was rolled out in the same way the French received American presidents.
Before they entered, Trump said: “It sure seems like the world is a little crazy right now. And we’ll talk about that.”
When he accepted the invitation to travel to Paris, Trump said Macron had done “an amazing job ensuring that Notre-Dame is restored to its full glory, and beyond.” It will be a very special day for everyone! A fire in 2019 nearly destroyed the 861-year-old landmark.
More than 20 French government security agents were helping to ensure Trump’s safety along with the Secret Service, according to the French National Police. A special French police car provided anti-drone protection for Trump’s convoy.
Security was tighter than usual outside the US Embassy and other sites around Paris in preparation for the reopening of Notre Dame, where dozens of international dignitaries were expected to attend.
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Macron, who has had a volatile relationship with Trump, has been keen to develop the relationship since the Republican defeated Democrat Kamala Harris last month. But Macron’s office downplayed the invitation, saying other politicians not in office were also invited.
Macron’s office said that Trump was invited as the president-elect of a friendly country, adding that this is in no way exceptional, we have done this before.
The red carpet treatment was another sign of how eager Macron and other European leaders were to curry favor and appease Trump even before he took office.
Trump is known to enjoy pomp and circumstance. One of his first trips as president during his first term was to Paris, where Macron made him guest of honor at Bastille Day events. Trump later said he wanted to repeat the large military parade in the United States.
Democratic President Joe Biden was also invited but will not attend. White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre cited a scheduling conflict and said First Lady Jill Biden will represent the United States.
Trump and Jill Biden last met shortly after the election, when he visited the White House for the traditional meeting between outgoing and incoming presidents.
Trump’s visit to France comes at a time when Macron and other European leaders are trying to win Trump’s support and convince him to continue supporting Ukraine in its defense against the Russian invasion. Macron and Trump will discuss this in addition to the wars in the Middle East, Macron’s office said.
This meeting will take place before the Notre Dame event, as will the meeting with Prince William, who is also scheduled to meet Jill Biden, according to the British Royal Palace.
Macron also plans to meet with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky. It is not clear whether Trump will meet with Zelensky as well. Trump pledged to quickly end the war in Ukraine but did not specify how, raising concerns in Kiev about the conditions that might be set for any future negotiations.
In an effort to build trust with the incoming US administration, Zelensky’s top aide Andrei Yermak met with key members of Trump’s team on a two-day trip earlier this week. A senior Ukrainian official, who spoke on condition of anonymity because he was not authorized to speak publicly, described the meetings as productive, but refused to reveal details.
Relations between France and the United States during Trump’s first term started out warm enough, but have become increasingly tense over time.
Macron was the guest of honor at Trump’s first state dinner, and Trump has traveled to France several times. But the relationship was damaged after Macron criticized Trump for questioning the need for NATO and raising doubts about America’s commitment to the mutual defense treaty.
During the 2024 presidential campaign, Trump frequently mocked Macron, imitated his accent and threatened to impose heavy tariffs on bottles of wine and champagne shipped to the United States if France tried to tax American companies.
But Macron was one of the first world leaders to congratulate Trump last month after the election.
Trump was president in 2019 when fire swept through Notre Dame, collapsing its tower and threatening to destroy one of the world’s greatest architectural treasures, known for its mesmerizing stained glass.
He wrote on Twitter at the time, offering his advice to the city: “It is absolutely horrific to witness the massive fire in Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris.”
Perhaps flying water tankers could be used to put it out. We must act quickly!” he wrote.
French officials appeared to respond shortly after, stating that “all means” had been used to extinguish the flames “except water-bombing aircraft which, if used, could lead to the collapse of the entire cathedral structure.”
Trump announced last weekend that he intends to nominate real estate developer Charles Kushner, the father of his son-in-law Jared Kushner, to serve as ambassador to France. His predecessors in this prestigious role include Benjamin Franklin and Thomas Jefferson.
& Edition 2024 The Canadian Press
