Biden welcomed Macron and his wife Brigitte with a solemn ceremony on the South Lawn of the White House as the first guest from a foreign state since taking office. In contrast to regular work visits, the protocol involved in a state visit is much greater. In addition to the US President and his wife Jill, Vice President Kamala Harris and several US Ministers also welcomed guests from France in an official welcome ceremony that lasted about an hour. In honor of the visit, the military band played the anthems of the United States and France, and the reception was accompanied by cannon fire. Numerous guests gathered in the sunshine and frigid temperatures and applauded the French visitors.
Biden and Macron highlighted the common front against Russia. “Today we, France and the United States, together with all our allies – our NATO allies and the G7 countries, the European Union – reaffirm that we are stronger than ever against Russia’s brutal war against Ukraine” , said Biden. The US President emphasized that we would continue to fight “brutality” together. “I knew that Russia is brutal. But I didn’t expect them to be so brutal.” The US and France would continue to work together to hold Russia accountable.
The United States and France must “once again become brothers in arms”, Macron said, referring to “the return of war on European soil after Russian aggression against Ukraine”. Democracies on both sides of the ocean would be rocked by the same dangers. He cited hate speech and false information as examples. The day before, Macron also focused on an issue that is currently straining relations between the two countries. He warned of a split in Western forces over a US government law that Biden sees as the biggest success of his term to date.
On Thursday, Biden announced changes to the controversial legislative package. “We can make adjustments that can make it fundamentally easier for European countries to participate and/or act alone,” Biden said after meeting Macron. Biden said he would not apologize for promoting the manufacturing of essential goods in America. However, large legislative packages often need readjustments to meet the intended consequences. “We will continue to create manufacturing jobs in America, but not at the expense of Europe.”
The so-called Inflation Reduction Act aims to boost American industry and give it preference over foreign competitors. Subsidies and tax credits are tied to companies that use US products or produce them in the US. Macron warned that this would create such disparities that many companies would stop investing in Europe. “The decisions taken … are decisions that will fragment the West,” Macron said at the French embassy in Washington.
Whether Macron and Biden can resolve the issue before the festive state banquet on Thursday night (local time) initially remained open to question. Dinner is the highlight of Macron’s state visit. Dinner should be harmonious – the White House has been working on this for six months. The menu features American specialties including Maine lobster and wine from California’s Napa Valley. American cheese should also be served. The White House said they were “excellent, award-winning cheeses”. The French are proud of their cheese, which also has a prominent role in the world market. Dinner will be accompanied by jazz and soul musician Jon Batiste.
The dinner’s design was inspired by the identical colors of the two countries’ flags and is red, white and blue, US First Lady Jill Biden said, according to the White House about the table decor. “I’ve learned that setting the table can be an act of love – and having my own family, I’ve done my best to keep that tradition alive.” The banquet will be held in a heated pavilion on the White House’s south lawn – hundreds of guests are expected.
Following the program in Washington, the French president intends to travel to the metropolis of New Orleans, in the US state of Louisiana. The US government has emphasized that France is the United States’ oldest ally. Last year, relations between the two NATO partners suffered as France lost billions in submarine deals because of a new security alliance in the Indo-Pacific, in which the United States is involved.