Trump Woos France’s First Couple at Versailles in High-Profile Diplomatic Visit

President Donald Trump struck a warm tone Wednesday evening as he arrived at the Palace of Versailles for an elaborate dinner hosted by French President Emmanuel Macron and first lady Brigitte Macron.

Following their now-familiar prolonged handshake, which lasted about 10 seconds, Trump greeted Brigitte Macron with kisses on both cheeks before praising the French first couple.

“This is so beautiful. We thank the President, and Brigitte is an amazing woman,” Trump said.

Trump was at the iconic palace for a bilateral dinner with the Macrons. The White House also said the president signed a memorandum of understanding with Iran during the stop.

His appearance at Versailles had been the subject of speculation ahead of his trip to France for the G7 summit.

Since Monday, Trump has been meeting with fellow world leaders in Évian-les-Bains, the French resort town on the shores of Lake Geneva.

But the President’s schedule didn’t officially change until Tuesday, as he made a pitstop to the palace, located about 10 miles outside of Paris, before flying back to the United States.

The President said he accepted the invitation from Macron, whom he’s criticized and even mocked, trying his best at a French accent, because ‘I’m a fan of beautiful places.’ 

‘Versailles is not a gold leaf. Versailles is a real deal,’ Trump said. 

Macron explained away the dinner to critics by saying it was to celebrate America’s 250th birthday, as France played a pivotal role in the US’s independence. 

Versailles was chosen because it was ‘a historic symbol of Franco-American friendship,’ an Élysée official told the Guardian. 

It was also likely chosen because of the President’s well-known adoration for opulence. 

Since arriving back at the White House in January 2025, one of Trump’s top projects has been the construction of a White House ballroom. 

He’s also taken on many other White House construction projects, including painting parts of the Oval Office gold. 

The President received a personalized tour of some of the rooms of Versailles before dining with the Macrons in the Lower Gallery. 

In true European style, the dinner didn’t kick off until 10:53 PM local time. 

Brigitte Macron (left), French President Emmanuel Macron (center) and President Donald Trump watch the sunset through grand windows at the Palace of Versailles Wednesday night. Trump and the Macrons didn’t sit down for dinner until 10:53 PM local time

Earlier this week at the G7, Macron got caught on a hot mic appearing to discuss Trump with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, who’s had a rocky relationship with the American leader. 

Zelensky appeared to tell Macron that he would be meeting with Trump at the international summit. 

Tantalizingly, the leaders spoke quietly for over twenty seconds before Macron rejoined more audibly, ‘OK, we’ll arrange that.’ 

Zelensky did get his Trump meeting, with Macron being the one who orchestrated the gathering on the sidelines of the G7.

Reporters were kept away, however, after Trump and Zelensky’s 2025 meeting in the Oval Office turned into a shouting match.