The joke’s on Britain at presidents’ dinner

THE relation spéciale between Donald Trump and Emmanuel Macron was sealed with a joke – at the expense of the British.

At his state dinner, the first of the Trump presidency, Mr Macron began his toast by referencing the War of 1812, saying: “This White House, full of history, that the British burned down …”

He went on to praise James Monroe, the fifth president of the United States, for then having the “brilliant idea of decorating it with French furniture”.

Laughter rippled through the State Dining Room as the French president went on to explain why he and Mr Trump like each other so much, a fact that was plainly evident to everyone during his visit to Washington.

It was, he said, not just an “unbreakable friendship” rooted in the principles that underpinned revolutions and world wars, it was also personal.

Addressing his “dear Donald”, Mr Macron said: “On both sides of the ocean, some two years ago, very few would have bet on us being here together today.

“But I got to know you. You got to know me. We both know that none of us easily changes his mind. But we will work together, and we have this ability to listen to one another. This is the reason why our relationship will serve our strong history.” In his toast, Mr Trump quoted Victor Hugo, speaking of the divine flame that “evil can never wholly extinguish” and how “good can make to glow with splendour”.

On the campaign trail in 2016, Mr Trump railed about the cost of bloated state dinners, and he made sure this one was a comparatively intimate affair. There were only 123 guests, mostly titans of the political and financial worlds, seated at 13 round tables. They dined on goat’s cheese gateau, spring lamb and nectarine tarts.

Celebrities from film, television and music were absent, but among those joining the US and French officials were Tim Cook, the chief executive of Apple, Rupert Murdoch, and Christine Lagarde, the IMF managing director.

It marked a triumph for Melania Trump and was widely judged to be her finest moment so far as the First Lady. Mrs Trump organised the intricacies of the meal, from the menu to the gold-trimmed table settings and the decorations, which included 1,500 cherry blossom branches and 1,000 stems of white lilacs.

In a nod to her guests, she wore a Chanel gown, and was able to chat to them in fluent French.

Mr Trump later praised his wife for a “spectacular” event, adding: “Washington is abuzz over what an incredible job Melania did.”