White House denies a Biden-Macron rift: Leaders ‘have a warm and close relationship’

Sign up for the daily Inside Washington email for exclusive US coverage and analysis sent to your inbox Get our free Inside Washington email Get our free Inside Washington email SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Another tiff took place during a recent phone call between the two leaders, when Biden pushed back on Macron’s stated desire to potentially position French troops in Ukraine. When pressed on the “level of trust” between Biden and Macron by a reporter during Friday’s press briefing, White House National Security Adviser John Kirby said there’s no handwringing required about the Franco-American bromance. But that they may not see every issue perfectly the same way doesn't mean that the relationship is weaker or hindered or in any way set back.” Biden, who hosted Macron for the first state visit of his presidency in December 2022, is set to receive reciprocal treatment when he and his French counterpart meet at the Elysee Palace for a welcome ceremony on Saturday, after which the two leaders will engage in bilateral talks across what the White House described as a range of issues. Kirby also told reporters that the leaders would discuss “new areas of partnership” to advance the fight against climate change and promote clean energy technologies, as well as engage on he called “first and foremost” among the talks, the “issues right in front of the Transatlantic Alliance to include the war in Ukraine, and how we can continue to support Ukraine.” He added that Biden would “update” Macron on the ongoing efforts to secure a ceasefire in Gaza and bring about a return of the hostages who are still being held eight months after the October 7 terror attacks.