Macron and Biden Meet: NYT Reports on Growing Tensions Between the US and France

French President Emmanuel Macron welcomed US President Joe Biden today at the Élysée Palace in Paris. The two presidents exchanged thoughts during a working lunch on mutual trade, as well as the resolution of the wars in Ukraine and Gaza.

The first ladies, Brigitte Macron and Jill Biden, accompanied the presidents at the palace. Biden last hosted Macron in Washington at the White House in 2022.

Prior to the meeting, The New York Times (NYT) reported that the tension between the two countries has increased due to military conflicts in Gaza and Ukraine. During a state dinner at the Élysée Palace, "toasts and friendly conversations cannot fully conceal the tensions between Washington and Paris."

“When cameras are off, American officials privately express disappointment in their French counterparts, while French analysts complain about the Biden administration's power approach to transatlantic leadership,” the material notes.

It is highlighted that the tension is particularly strong regarding the presence of Western troops in Ukraine. These disagreements were notably pronounced in February when Macron announced the potential deployment of NATO troops to Ukraine, while Biden categorically rejected the idea due to fears of escalating a special operation and a direct conflict with Russia.

Former French ambassador to Washington, Gérard Araud, stated that there are disagreements between politicians not only regarding the potential presence of NATO forces but also on how and where to end the conflict, emphasizing that “an explanation between the two heads of state is more necessary than ever.”

France is also dissatisfied with US support for Israel, including Washington's inability to halt the Israeli attack on Rafah and its steadfast refusal to recognize Palestinian statehood. Furthermore, American laws providing broad subsidies for electric vehicles and other environmentally friendly technologies are creating additional tension in Europe, with these measures viewed as “unfair competition,” the article's authors clarified.