President Trump will travel to Paris on Thursday to discuss Syria and counterterrorism with French President Emmanuel Macron, according to a senior White House official. They will also share their individual perspectives on the recent G-20 summit.
Last month, Trump formally accepted Macron’s invitation to attend the Bastille Day celebrations alongside the First Lady as guests of honor on Avenue des Champs-Élysée.
“While there they’re going to use the opportunity to discuss topics of mutual interest,” a senior administration official said. “But that’s really the centerpiece of this visit.”
This year marks the 100th anniversary of America’s entry onto French soil and officially into World War I. Several units of the United States military will participate in the parade, including the Army’s 1st Infantry Division, which was the first unit to enter France in 1917.
Several activist groups have stated they will protest Trump’s visit to Paris on Bastille Day, according to NBC News reports.
A “Paris Against Trump” organization announced a series of demonstrations—including a “No Trump Zone” and a “Don’t Let Your Guard Down Against Trump” march—starting Thursday and continuing into Bastille Day.
Many Europeans disagree with President Trump’s stances on climate change, immigration policy, and other key issues. Even the Macron has criticized Trump on several issues, most notably taking offense to Trump’s decision to withdraw the U.S. from the Paris climate agreement.
“I would characterize the relation between the two of them as very positive,” the senior White House official said. “There are some issues where we see the world a little bit differently, but many issues where we see the world more or less the same.
“The French are and have been, and will be, very close security partners of our who cooperate in many different domains and on many different issues. And I think the relationship, still in its early stages, is a very, very good one.”
