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Cyril Vanier: Macron and Trump got to first base but bromance was short lived

President Emmanuel Macron of France kisses President Donald Trump during a joint news conference at the White House in Washington: New York Times / Redux / eyevine
President Emmanuel Macron of France kisses President Donald Trump during a joint news conference at the White House in Washington: New York Times / Redux / eyevine

An implausibly ill-matched couple, deeply imbued with bonhomie; the bond between Emmanuel Macron and Donald Trump verges on cliché.

Macron headed to Washington hoping to leverage his unique relationship with the president to get what he and his fellow Europeans wanted: an intact Iran deal. At first, events followed the script. The smiles appeared genuine; the photo-calls with the first ladies and the speeches. Then there was the extraordinary body language. As in Paris, every opportunity for a touch, a shoulder rub, or the grab of an arm was taken. Trump even leaned in and puckered up for an awkward air kiss.

But it’s one thing to get to first base; getting beyond is something else. On day one, Trump paused to pick something from Macron’s shoulder. “We have to get him perfect,” he said. It was a light moment, but symbolised a relationship focused on appearances. It also made some observers in France uncomfortable.

One of the huge French press contingent asked Macron what he got from his meeting. The answer was unclear. Aside from vague talk of progress and common ground, Trump’s position appeared largely unchanged; his references to the Iran deal more disparaging than ever.

Day two was more revealing. Macron arrived at Congress to rapturous applause. A reference to his tactile relationship with Trump won laughter. What followed, however, was a withering attack on everything his “friend” stands for: on trade, the environment, multilateralism and more.

Macron has staked a lot on his approach to Trump but returned to Paris with little to show. He and Trump may see eye to eye on the world’s problems but they could scarcely be further apart on solutions.

  • Cyril Vanier is anchor for CNN International