Weather blamed for Trump no-show
Donald Trump yesterday cancelled his visit to a US war cemetery to mark 100 years since Armistice Day due to “bad weather”.
The US president had been expected to fly to Belleau Wood cemetery, about 55 miles outside Paris.
But the trip was cancelled because the conditions were thought to be too severe for his helicopter, Marine One, to handle.
The aircraft was grounded following a risk assessment by his security team.
A White House delegation which included General John Kelly and General Joe Dunford made an hour-long journey by car instead.
A spokesman said: “The president and first lady’s trip to Aisne-Marne American Cemetery and Memorial has been cancelled due to scheduling and logistical difficulties caused by the weather.”
The cemetery honours the 4th Marine Brigade of the United States Army’s 2nd Division and an attack they led on the Germans on June 6, 1918, which liberated the Bouresches.
The 5th and 6th Marine regiments also fought for 20 days in n Belleau Wood that month. More than 8100 soldiers died.
Trump is in Paris after accepting an invitation from French president Emmanuel Macron to attend events commemorating the end of World War I.