Le Bromance! It’s the Trump-Macron love-in
Holding hands, kisses on the cheek, declarations of undying friendship ... the state visit like no other
DONALD Trump and Emmanuel Macron once more indulged in their extraordinary political bromance yesterday as the US President officially welcomed the French leader on a state visit to Washington.
Mr Trump, 71, and Mr Macron, 40, hugged, grasped each other’s hands and even kissed at various appearances.
Mr Trump gushed about their ‘wonderful friendship’ and ‘incredible partnership’.
Despite being a notorious germaphobe, he was even willing to pluck a stray piece of dandruff from his French friend’s shoulder. He said he was doing it because ‘we have to make him perfect, he is perfect’.
However, the two leaders made clear they still have significant differences over issues such as Syria, Iran and trade.
The event – the first state visit Mr Trump has hosted in his presidency – has been keenly anticipated on both sides of the Atlantic. Mr Macron has been dubbed the ‘Trump Whisperer’ for his determination to cultivate the President’s friendship in what is widely seen as a pragmatic attempt to establish France as the crucial post-Brexit bridge between America and Europe.
However, Mr Trump does not like being seen as easily led by other leaders. And the limits of Mr Macron’s charm offensive became clear as Mr Trump lambasted the European Union and the Iran nuclear weapons deal, both of which Mr Macron supports. They are also divided on the Paris climate accords, Syria and Mr Trump’s support for steel tariffs on foreign imports.
Mr Macron and wife Brigitte arrived at the White House yesterday morning and were treated to a review of troops, some in uniforms from the days when French and Americans fought together against the British in the War of Independence.
Giving a welcome address, Mr Trump repeatedly emphasised that France was America’s ‘oldest ally’ and said: ‘The beautiful friendship between the United States and France, forged in revolution, has changed the course of history.’
Mr Macron echoed Mr Trump’s comments but also alluded to areas where they disagreed, such as global warming. Last
night Mr Trump and his wife Melania hosted the Macrons at a lavish state dinner at the White House.
While most First Ladies outsource arrangements to event planners, Mrs Trump chose to take charge herself. Her vision ran to gold place settings, gold candlesticks, gold chairs and gold crockery – the latter originally acquired by the Clintons. The menus were embossed with gold.
The food, described as containing ‘nuances of French influences’, included goat’s cheese gateau, rack of spring lamb and nectarine tart, with herbs from the White House garden.