Trump Plays Down Differences with French Leader

Mr. Trump came to Paris at the invitation of Mr. Macron to take part in Bastille Day celebrations to mark the 100th anniversary of America’s entry into World War I.

As the two leaders, an odd couple on the international stage, faced the news media after a private meeting in the Élysée Palace, they sought to play down sharp differences over trade, immigration and climate change. Mr. Macron looked on as Mr. Trump defended his son in the mushrooming scandal over links between his presidential campaign and the Russian government.

On climate change, Mr. Trump acknowledged his differences with Mr. Macron — exposed by Mr. Trump’s decision announced six weeks ago to pull the United States out of the Paris climate accord. When asked whether he would reconsider his decision to withdraw, the president left the door open to some kind of unspecified compromise.

“Something could happen with respect to the Paris accord,” Mr. Trump said. “We’ll see what happens.” He added, “If it happens, it will be wonderful; if it doesn’t, that will be O.K., too.”

Mr. Macron also acknowledged the disagreement over the climate accord, but noted that the two had agreed on many other issues. He also said he understood Mr. Trump’s motivation in withdrawing, even if he disagreed with him. “My willingness is to continue to work with the United States,” he said. “I understand it is important to save jobs.”

At several points in the news conference, Mr. Trump reached over to touch Mr. Macron’s arm. And when a French journalist asked Mr. Trump if he believed that his host would keep France safe from terrorism – something he had criticized the previous French government for failing to do – Mr. Trump went out of his way to praise Mr. Macron.

“You have a great leader, a tough president,” he said. “He’s not going to be easy on people who are breaking the law.”

Then, turning to Mr. Macron and leaning into his microphone, Mr. Trump added: “You better do a good job, please. Otherwise, you’re going to make me look bad.”

Mr. Trump and Mr. Macron appear to have put their strange and tense initial relationship behind them, in the service of a working partnership and the love of a parade.

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