Press Review: Macron’s State Visit to Washington D.C. this week

April 26, 2018

2012 Young Leader, French President Emmanuel Macron visited Washington, D.C., for his first State Visit during the presidency of Donald Trump on April 23-25. These three days provided a political and formal opportunity to highlight the ties between France and the United States, countries which are both friends and allies.

The two presidents and first ladies went to Mount Vernon, George Washington’s historic riverside home in Virginia, for a private dinner the night before the leaders talked about trade, security, and the Iran nuclear deal at the White House. Among other meetings, there was a State Department lunch hosted by Vice President Mike Pence, a military ceremony at Arlington Cemetery, and a State Dinner hosted at the White House. Such a dinner is the highest social tribute a president can bestow on an ally and partner.

The President of the French Republic, at the invitation of the Speaker of the House of Representatives Paul Ryan, delivered a speech in English before a joint session of Congress. He cited both the strong historical bonds and the common interests between the United States and France, as well as the important differences. He also participated in a townhall meeting with students from George Washington University before leaving the capitol.

This first official State Visit of the Trump presidency was important for its symbolism as much as for the gestures of real regard between the two leaders.

Here are some articles in the press: