So much has shifted in global politics since Donald Trump first entered the White House in January 2017, with French President Emmanuel Macron following suit four months later. Europe now faces a war spurred by Russia, Israel finds itself embroiled in violent conflicts with militant groups, the U.K. has exited the EU, and France’s domestic political landscape is in turmoil, with the far right on the verge of assuming power as Macron’s approval ratings reach all-time lows.
Yet, Macron has a knack for navigating tough times through displays of French grandeur, and for building bridges with Trump, resulting in an unlikely, headline-grabbing connection. Their rapport is one of those rare political dynamics that has captured the world’s attention.
The question now is whether Trump’s upcoming trip to France will present him as a diplomatic statesman gearing up for his second term, or if he’ll lean back into the provocative, Euroskeptic style that characterized much of his first presidency. One thing, however, is almost guaranteed: Trump will bask in the pomp and spectacle of the grand event — a point that Macron is keenly aware of. By extending this invitation, Macron shows a calculated understanding of what appeals to a president who will stay in power well beyond Macron’s own time at the Élysée Palace.
Awkward handshakes and extravagant parades
The dynamic between Macron and Trump has left its mark on their tenures.
Few can forget their infamous 29-second handshake at a NATO summit in Brussels during Macron’s first major international outing in 2017 — a handshake Macron later described as a “moment of truth.”
Just weeks afterward, Macron rolled out the red carpet for Trump’s visit to Paris for Bastille Day celebrations, impressing him with a show of military pomp including marching bands, parades, and flyovers. Two years later, at the 75th anniversary of the D-Day landings, Macron attempted to leverage the shared history of France, Europe, and the U.S. by urging Trump to honor the “promise of Normandy” by recognizing the significance of the EU and NATO.
Fast-forward to 2024, and the Macron-Trump connection appears to still be thriving. Macron was quick to congratulate Trump on his re-election last month, even before the official results were finalized. Now, as Trump gears up for his visit to Paris, Macron sees an opportunity to leverage what French officials call a “close relationship” with the American leader, aiming to position himself as the European voice that Trump should heed.
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