Trump visit: Emmanuel Macron says US ‘is never so great as when it fights for universal values’ in pointed D-Day speech
Follow along for our coverage of Trump's visit to France, as it happened
Your support helps us to tell the story
My recent work focusing on Latino voters in Arizona has shown me how crucial independent journalism is in giving voice to underrepresented communities.
Your support is what allows us to tell these stories, bringing attention to the issues that are often overlooked. Without your contributions, these voices might not be heard.
Every dollar you give helps us continue to shine a light on these critical issues in the run up to the election and beyond
Eric Garcia
Washington Bureau Chief
Donald Trump have toured the beaches of Normandy to mark the 75th anniversary of the D-Day invasion, hours after causing outrage in Ireland with his remarks about the country’s border with Northern Ireland.
“We have a border situation in the United States, and you have one over here,” the US president said during a meeting on Wednesday with Leo Varadkar, the Irish prime minister.
“But I hear it’s going to work out very well here,” Mr Trump, who is scheduled to return to Ireland after his France visit, continued.
In commenting about the historically contentious Irish border, Mr Trump appeared to be comparing the Brexit debate over Ireland and Northern Ireland with his attempts to curb immigration by building a wall on the US-Mexico border.
His speech came while touring the beaches and will also visit a US military cemetery in the area.
Mr Trump then returned to Ireland, where just the night before his two adult sons — Donald Trump Jr and Eric Trump — were seen bar hopping.
The US president is expected to head home later this week, where he will once again be battling with a Congress that is actively investigating his 2016 campaign.
Please allow a moment for the live blog to load
Donald Trump and Emmanuel Macron walked together to greet dignitaries at the Normandy American Cemetery.
Both are expected to deliver remarks there shortly.
Mr Trump greeted D-Day veterans before the start of the commemoration ceremony.
Emmanuel Macron will award the Legion d'Honneur, France's highest award for merit, to five US veterans.
Donald Trump’s state visit to the UK is deemed by American officials to have gone far better than many had feared, writes Kim Sengupta.
So much so that one official pointed out there was more concern now about what the president may tweet next about tariffs on Mexico – with a confrontation looming with congress on the issue – than what he had done there.
Even the weather had remained clement for the D-Day commemoration so there was no risk of the embarrassment of last November when Mr Trump travelled to France, but failed to turn up for a ceremony to honour the American fallen in the First World War because it was raining.
Read more here:
Emmanuel Macron is paying tribute to the soldiers who took part in the D-Day Normandy invasion.
"France has not forgotten the two million soldiers who...would continue fighting on for weeks [to liberate Normandy]," he said, while speaking in front of thousands at the Normandy American Cemetery above Omaha Beach.
"On behalf of my country, on behalf of France I bow down before their bravery," he said.
"I bow down to our veterans and I say thank you".
Mr Macron who had been speaking in French, paused and turned to the assembled veterans, addressing them directly in English.
"On behalf of my nation, I just want to say thank you," he said.
The veterans responded to the gesture by standing in applause.
"We know what we owe to the United States of America," he said later, adding that the USA was never greater than when it was faithful to the values of its founding fathers.
Thousands of people are gathering at the Normandy American Cemetery to honour the troops who fell at D-Day 75 years ago.
A handful of former soldiers who served at D-Day are also present.
Emmanuel Macron will award the Legion d'Honneur, France's highest award for merit, to five US veterans.
Around 12,000 people are expected to attend the commemorative ceremony.
Wartime American songs and military music are playing at the cemetery as guests take their seats.
Mr Macron also praised "the alliance of free peoples" who had triumphed at D-Day, going on to praise Nato, the EU and the drive to create international institutions.
Donald Trump, who is also at the event, has repeatedly attacked the EU and Nato.
"This is what we owe to our homeland," Mr Macron added.
"Liberty and democracy are inseparable. Young Americans died here, they died for their country".
"We need to be true to their memory," he said.
"The promise of Normandy will be supported by France."
Emmanuel Macron has finished his speech and is awarding five American veterans with the Legion of Honor, France's highest distinction.
Donald Trump is speaking to the gathered crowd at the Normandy American Cemetery.
“We are gathered here on Freedom's Altar," he said.
"On these shores, on these bluffs, on this day 75 years ago, ten thousand men shed their blood-and thousands sacrificed their lives-for their brothers for their countries, and for the survival of liberty.
"Today, we remember those who fell here, and we honor all who fought right here in Normandy.
"They won back this ground for civilization.
"You are among the very greatest Americans who will ever live," he said, turning to the assembled veterans.
"You are the pride of our nation. You are the glory of our Republic and we thank you from the bottom of our hearts.
"Here with you are over 60 veterans who landed on D-Day. Our debt to you is everlasting.
"Their mission is the story of an epic battle," he said, going on to describe the D-Day invasion as a battle between good and evil.
“The enemy who occupied these heights saw the largest naval armada in history on the horizon. Just a few miles offshore were 7,000 vessels bearing 130,000 warriors.
"They were the citizens of free and independent nations, united by their duty to their compatriots and to millions yet unborn."
Mr Trump listened to Emmanuel Macron speak before taking to the stage himself.
Among the thousands listening to Mr Trump speak at Normandy are Rick Perry, the US energy secretary, Kellyane Conway, Mr Trump's aide and Woody Johnson, the US ambassador to the UK.
Nancy Pelosi, the Democrat who serves as speaker of the US House of Representatives, is also present.
Subscribe to Independent Premium to bookmark this article
Want to bookmark your favourite articles and stories to read or reference later? Start your Independent Premium subscription today.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments