French President Donald Trump was welcomed to Paris on Saturday with a full dose of presidential pomp and held an impromptu meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky on a day that mixed pomp and attention to pressing global problems.
Trump, the former and future US president, said when he arrived at the Elysee Palace for a face-to-face meeting with Macron – which he quickly expanded to include Zelensky – that the two would discuss a world that had “gone a little crazy”.
Trump's visit to France, part of a global celebration of the reopening of Notre Dame Cathedral five years after the devastating fire, came at a time when Macron and other European leaders are trying to win Trump's support and persuade him to continue supporting Ukraine in its defense against terrorism. Invasion of Russia. Macron's office said this would be discussed in addition to the wars in the Middle East.
As Trump arrived at the French president's official residence, Macron went out of his way to present an image of close relations, as he stood for several handshakes, including many pats on the back. Trump said it was a “great honor” and spoke of the “wonderful relationship” they have. The grand red carpet was rolled out in the same way that the French received American presidents while they were sitting.
Before they entered, Trump said: “It sure seems like the world is a little crazy right now. We'll talk about that.”
Trump spent about 90 minutes in the palace, where he first met with Macron before Zelensky joined them for about 35 minutes. The three walked out together and stood in a row with Macron in the middle. Trump waved to photographers before shaking Zelensky's hand, exchanging words, and leaving.
Macron was planning to meet Zelensky, and the French president's office said the tripartite meeting was proposed by Macron and arranged shortly before Trump's arrival. Trump pledged to quickly end the war in Ukraine but did not specify how, raising concerns in Kiev about the conditions that might be set for any future negotiations.
Macron, who has had a volatile relationship with Trump, has been keen to develop the relationship since the Republican defeated Democrat Kamala Harris last month. But Macron's office downplayed the invitation, saying other politicians not in office were also invited.
Macron's office said Trump was invited as president-elect of a “friendly country,” adding, “This is in no way exceptional. We have done this before.”
Still, the red carpet treatment was a sign of how eager Macron and other European leaders were to curry favor and appease Trump even before he took office.
Trump, who was joined in Paris by a small group of staff, including incoming chief of staff Susie Wiles, is known to relish the pomp and circumstance. One of his first trips as president during his first term was to Paris, where Macron made him guest of honor at Bastille Day events. Trump later said he wanted to repeat the large military parade in the United States.
Democratic President Joe Biden was also invited 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.
Trump also plans to meet Britain's Prince William, who was scheduled to meet Jill Biden separately, according to Britain's Royal Palace.
In an effort to build trust with the incoming US administration, Zelensky's top aide Andrei Yermak met with key members of Trump's team on a two-day trip earlier this week. A senior Ukrainian official, who spoke on condition of anonymity because he was not authorized to speak publicly, described the meetings as productive, but refused to reveal details.
Relations between France and the United States during Trump's first term started out warm enough, but have become increasingly tense over time.
Macron was the guest of honor at Trump's first state dinner, and Trump has traveled to France several times. But the relationship was damaged after Macron criticized Trump for questioning the need for NATO and raising doubts about America's commitment to the mutual defense treaty.
During the 2024 presidential campaign, Trump frequently mocked Macron, imitated his accent and threatened to impose heavy tariffs on bottles of wine and champagne shipped to the United States if France tried to tax American companies.
But Macron was one of the first world leaders to congratulate Trump last month after the election.
When he accepted the invitation to travel to Paris, Trump said Macron had done “an amazing job ensuring that Notre-Dame is restored to its full level of glory, and even more. It will be a very special day for everyone!” A fire in 2019 nearly destroyed the 861-year-old landmark.
More than 20 French government security agents were helping to ensure Trump's safety along with the Secret Service, according to the French National Police. A special French police car provided anti-drone protection for Trump's convoy.
Security was tighter than usual outside the US Embassy and other sites around Paris in preparation for the reopening of Notre Dame, where dozens of international dignitaries were expected to attend.
Trump was president in 2019 when fire swept through Notre Dame, collapsing its tower and threatening to destroy one of the world's greatest architectural treasures, known for its mesmerizing stained glass.
He wrote on Twitter at the time, offering his advice to the city: “It is absolutely horrific to witness the massive fire in Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris.”
“Maybe flying water tankers can be used to put it out. You must act quickly!” books.
French officials appeared to respond shortly after, stating that “all means” had been used to extinguish the flames “except water-bombing aircraft which, if used, could lead to the collapse of the entire cathedral structure.”
Trump announced last weekend that he intends to nominate real estate developer Charles Kushner, the father of his son-in-law Jared Kushner, to serve as ambassador to France. His predecessors in this prestigious role include Benjamin Franklin and Thomas Jefferson.
