Donald Trump will host French President Emmanuel Macron in the spring for his first state dinner as president
CBS News reported Wednesday that the April 24 event will include a white tie dinner, and that Macron will deliver a speech to Congress while he’s in Washington.
‘I can confirm that will be the first state visit,’ White House spokeswoman Sarah Sanders told reporters hours later. ‘The date is still being finalized.’
Trump has hosted numerous foreign leaders but has yet to host an official state visit.
He expressed deep appreciation for the red carpet treatment Macron showed him on a visit to France on a visit pegged to Bastille Day. They viewed a parade together and dined with their spouses in the Eiffel Tower.
Donald Trump has invited French President Emmanuel Macron for a state visit, the first of his presidency
President Donald Trump and French President Emmanuel Macron attended the traditional Bastille day military parade on the Champs-Elysees on July 14, 2017 in Paris, France
Trump didn’t get the honor of a state dinner at Elysee Palace, however.
The two heads of state are scheduled to meet in Davos, Switzerland, this week, during the World Economic Forum.
Trump and Macron bonded during their July 2017 meeting, despite some policy disputes over a pact to combat climate change that Trump said the U.S. would withdraw from.
The successful visit came despite an awkward meeting with a lingering white knuckle handshake as the two men appeared to jockey for dominance.
Macron played a key role in persuading Trump to go to Davos.
A source said he reminded Trump how many world leaders were scheduled to make the trip – and that it would be fun.
An official state dinner would be a major undertaking for the White House protocol staff as well as the office of first lady Melania Trump, which recently announced new staff hires.
Emmanuel Macron, France’s president, center left, and U.S. President Donald Trump, center right, shake hands while posing for photographs at the Elysee Palace in Paris, France, on Thursday, July 13, 2017
The first lady notably decided not to accompany the president on his trip to Davos, after her office cited scheduling and logistical concerns.
The news comes after days of reports about an affair Trump is alleged to have had with adult film star Stormy Daniels.
The Wall Street Journal reported that Trump lawyer Michael Cohen arranged for a $130,000 payment to Daniels weeks before the election.