By Daily Mail (U.S.) | Created at 2026-06-17 21:57:33 | Updated at 2026-06-18 10:12:13
12 hours ago
President Donald Trump turned on the charm Wednesday night as he arrived at the Palace of Versailles for a lavish dinner hosted by French President Emmanuel Macron and his wife Brigitte.
After their trademark extended handshake, which lasted around 10 seconds, and a kiss on each of Brigitte's cheeks, Trump commended the first couple of France.
'This is so beautiful. We thank the President, and Brigitte is an amazing woman,' Trump gushed.
It was long-rumored that Trump would visit Versailles on his trip to France for the G7.
He's been huddling with other world leaders since Monday in Évian-les-Bains, the part of France that touches Lake Geneva.
But the President's schedule didn't officially change until Tuesday, as he made a pitstop at 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.
President Donald Trump (right) waves as he arrives at the Palace of Versailles to have dinner with French President Emmanuel Macron (center) and his wife Brigitte Macron (left)
President Donald Trump (left) receives a tour of the Palace of Versailles from French President Emmanuel Macron Wednesday night before Trump heads back to Washington
French President Emmanuel Macron (left) and President Donald Trump shared an elongated handshake as Trump arrived at Versailles Wednesday night
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.
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.
He did, but reporters were kept away after their February 2025 meeting in the Oval Office turned into a shouting match.
