Donald Trump will be the guest of honour at a lavish dinner at the Palace of Versailles, sparking criticism from the French left who accuse Emmanuel Macron of excessive flattery.
Versailles Dinner Details
Trump described Versailles as "not gold leaf, Versailles is the real deal," expressing admiration for the opulent 2,300-room palace built by Louis XIV. Macron's office stated the dinner on Wednesday night commemorates the 250th anniversary of US independence, highlighting France's role in supporting the American Revolution. An Élysée official called Versailles "a historic symbol of Franco-American friendship."
Under pressure to avoid appearing sycophantic, Macron insisted it was not a "gala dinner" but a moment to honour France's contribution to American independence. He stated, "I'm pragmatic. It's by firm and respectful discussion that one gets results."
Political Reactions
French politicians view the dinner as an attempt to persuade Trump to stay for the entire G7 summit in Évian-les-Bains, after he left early last year in Canada. Trump told fellow leaders, "I'm the boss," as the summit's final day began.
Fabien Roussel, head of the French Communist party, called Macron "very naive" and "obsequious" for inviting Trump after the US president's hostility. "He's rolling out the red carpet while we're being fleeced," Roussel said. Mathilde Panot of La France Insoumise claimed "the flattery is not working," noting Trump had insulted France and Europe. Éric Coquerel, another LFI MP, criticised the "grovelling" to an increasingly aggressive US.
Nathalie Loiseau, a centrist MEP, told France Inter radio that bowing to Trump does not guarantee respect. However, junior defence minister Alice Rufo argued that courtesy towards Trump does not prevent France from speaking "frankly and clearly."
Historical Context
Before dinner, Trump will tour the palace's exhibition on French-US relations and the Hall of Mirrors, a symbol of French monarchy. Trump has previously made negative remarks about Macron, including calling him a "nice guy" who "doesn't get it right." He also threatened 100% tariffs on French wine over a digital services tax, and mocked Macron's wife in private. Macron responded that such comments were "neither elegant nor up to standard."
Macron has frequently used Versailles for diplomacy, hosting Vladimir Putin in 2017 and King Charles in 2023.
