Trump, Macron talk climate deal

‘Something could happen’ on accord president rejected

USA TODAY PARIS President Donald Trump pledged Thursday in the city where the global climate change accord was adopted that the United States would work to protect the environment — even though he withdrew from the pact signed by nearly 200 nations.

“Our fates are tied together more so than ever,” Trump said at a news conference after meeting with French President Emmanuel Macron, one of his harshest critics for backing out of the Paris accord June 1.

“The United States remains committed to being a leader in environmental protection,” Trump said.

Macron said while the leaders have a “number of disagreements” on the threat of global warming, he respected Trump’s decision to pull the U.S. out of the agreement.

“Something could happen with respect to the Paris accord,” Trump said. “We’ll see what happens.”

Trump previously said the agreement is unfair to the U.S. because many energy-related jobs would be lost to meet standards for reducing emissions contributing to climate change. He has called for modifying the deal, but other world leaders have rejected that idea.

The two leaders’ meeting and news conference followed colorful pageantry that welcomed Trump for a two-day visit that includes dinner at the Eiffel Tower and commemoration of Bastille Day — France’s Fourth of July — on Friday.

During a news conference, Macron said he and Trump would work on a “joint road map” to fight terrorism and postwar initiatives for Syria.

When asked about comments Trump previously made that “Paris no longer looks like Paris” in light of an influx of migrants and a spate of terrorist attacks, he changed his tune.

“You have a tough president. I really have a feeling you will have a peaceful and beautiful Paris,” Trump said. “And I’m coming back.”

“You are always welcome,” Macron replied.