Trump plays down climate change differences with Macron

US and French leaders agree to continue working together in Syria and Iraq

Trump Macron
Donald Trump and Emmanuel Macron at the Elysee Palace in Paris last year
(Image credit: Alain Jocard/AFP/Getty Images)

Donald Trump and Emmanuel Macron played down their differences on climate change when they met in Paris during the US President's first state visit to the country.

Speaking alongside his French counterpart, Trump appeared to suggest his position on climate change could shift following his decision to leave the Paris climate agreement six weeks ago.

"Something could happen with respect to the Paris accord," he said. "We'll see what happens. If it happens, it will be wonderful. If it doesn't, that will be OK, too."

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According to the New York Times, the two leaders "appeared to have put initial tensions in their relationship behind them in the service of developing a working partnership", while the BBC reports they agreed to keep working together to "to combat terrorism and in particular the so-called Islamic State group in Syria and Iraq".

Macron said he wanted to "thank the President for everything done by American troops" in Iraq.

Trump is in Paris for two days to coincide with France's Bastille Day celebrations today.

Despite the two men appearing be working strongly together, the visit has not been without controversy, with Trump coming under fire after commenting on Macron's wife Brigitte's appearance during a tour of Napoleon's tomb, CNN reports.

"You're in such good shape," he told her, before turning to the French President and saying: "She's in such good physical shape."

"Social media immediately reacted to the video with many users denouncing Trump's comments as sexist," The Guardian reports.

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