Trump and Macron pledge friendship despite differences

U.S. President Donald Trump traveled to Paris with the first lady on Thursday, accepting French President Emmanuel Macron’s invitation to take part in the country’s Bastille Day celebration on Friday. The world leaders spent hours touring Paris before convening for a bilateral meeting and then a joint news conference, where they expressed mutual admiration despite their differences. Trump said he considers Macron a friend, giving him a pat on the arm while delivering his opening remarks. Macron concurred, noting he and Trump would have a friendly dinner together Thursday evening. Trump referenced the recent multiple terror attacks in France but expressed optimism for the nation’s future: “It’s going to be just fine because you have a great president.” Macron noted that there is no difference between the American and French positions on countering terrorism. Macron, who became the youngest French president ever when he took office on May 14 at age 39, was an outspoken critic of Trump’s decision to pull the United States out of the Paris climate agreement. Macron admitted Thursday that the two still have many disagreements, but Trump said, “Something could happen with respect to the Paris accord. We’ll see what happens, but we’ll talk about that over the coming period of time. If it happens that will be wonderful, if it doesn’t that will be OK too.”