Trump, the once and future American president, said the two would be discussing a world that’s gone “a little crazy” as they met one on one before a celebration of the reopening of Notre Dame Cathedral five years after a devastating fire.
Trump’s visit to France comes as Macron and other European leaders are trying to win Trump’s favour and persuade him to maintain support for Ukraine in its defence against Russia’s invasion. Macron’s office said that would be discussed as well as the wars in the Middle East.
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 honour” and talked about the “great relationship” they have had.
At the palace, a grand red carpet was rolled in the same way the French welcome sitting American presidents. 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.”
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy also then arrived and immediately joined them. The trio posed for a picture but made no further public comment before starting the talks. 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.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.The red carpet treatment, however, was a sign of how eager both Macron and other European leaders are to win Trump’s favour and placate him even before he takes office.
Democratic President Joe Biden was invited as well 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.
