Biden Macron news: President and Jill Biden host administration’s first state dinner with French guests
US President Joe Biden welcomed French President Emmanuel Macron for his first state visit
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President Joe Biden and First Lady Jill Biden welcomed French President Emmanuel Macron and his wife Brigitte Macron to the White House on Thursday night for what marked the first ever state dinner since he took the Oval Office.
Mr Biden and Mr Macron raised a toast to strengthening relations between the two nations, with the US president saying: “Vive la France and God bless America.”
In joint remarks from the two leaders, Mr Macron said he was “honoured” to be welcomed on the first state visit of Mr Biden’s presidency.
“I’m extremely happy and honoured to be here for the first state visit of your administration,” he said.
“And this is, for me, the best evidence of this, indeed, very long-term friendship and partnership. And this is exactly the basis of — of our relation.”
The lavish dinner included Maine lobster and the event was decorated in red, blue and white in honour of the two countries.
The dinner came after Mr Biden said at a joint press conference that he would be willing to speak to Russian President Vladimir Putin about ending the war in Ukraine but that he wouldn’t do so without speaking to Nato allies.
“I’m prepared if he’s willing to talk to find out what he’s willing to do,” Mr Biden said earlier on Thursday. “But I’ll only do it in consultation with my NATO allies.”
Mr Biden’s expression of willingness to meet with the man he has previously called a “war criminal” who “cannot remain in power” at different points since Russia’s war on Ukraine began in late February came as he and Mr Macron pledged to continue American and French support for Ukraine’s fight against Russian invasion forces until Kyiv’s defence forces have emerged victorious.
‘Our democracies on both sides of the ocean are being shaken by the same doubts'
Mr Macron spoke after his arrival at the White House on Thursday, saying that “our democracies on both sides of the ocean are being shaken by the same doubts as to our ability to be sufficiently strong and effective when it comes to the challenges we share — those of the climate, geopolitics, and technology”.
“They’re in doubt in the face of relativism, hate speech, false information, and today’s fears,” he added. “United today by the same determination and the same strength of mind. Together, we need to find a path to offer a possible future for our children — one of prosperity, justice, and ecology.”
“Together, we need to work to rebuild the unity of our societies through respect and recognition — the only means to eradicate hate,” he said.
‘Vive la France and God bless America’
US President Joe Biden and French President Emmanuel Macron raised a toast to strengthening relations between the two nations during the state dinner on Thursday night.
“Vive la France and God bless America,” Mr Biden said.
In joint remarks from the two leaders, Mr Macron said he was “honoured” to be welcomed on the first state visit of Mr Biden’s presidency.
“I’m extremely happy and honoured to be here for the first state visit of your administration,” he said.
“And this is, for me, the best evidence of this, indeed, very long-term friendship and partnership. And this is exactly the basis of — of our relation.”
PICTURED: US and French counterparts
President Joe Biden and First Lady Jill Biden welcomed French President Emmanuel Macron and his wife Brigitte Macron to the White House for the state dinner on Thursday night.
The first lady wore a custom-made hand-beaded navy crepe gown while Ms Macron were an ivory-coloured gown with silver embellishments.
The two presidents coordinated each other in black tuxedos.
What was on the menu:
The lavish state dinner included luxury foods including American Osetra caviar and butter-poached lobster from Maine.
Guests dined on shallot marmalade, a selection of cheese from three different states, potatoes and beef, and washed it down with wines from California.
Newton “Unfiltered” Chardonnay and Anakota “Knights Valley” Cabernet Sauvignon, along with a California sparkling wine with French roots, Roederer Estate Brut Rose, were served to the gathering. For dessert, the menu has been fixed for orange chiffon cake and roasted pears with citrus sauce along with “creme fraiche ice cream”.
Chrissy Teigen posts Instagram from state dinner
Chrissy Teigen posted a story on Instagram from the state dinner, showing the lavish surroundings.
The image of her place showed red roses and white irises on the table along with a dinner plate setting with the presidential seal.
In a second story, she showed her husband John Legend sitting at the table.
Who was at the state dinner?
President Joe Biden and First Lady Jill Biden welcomed French President Emmanuel Macron and his wife Brigitte Macron to the White House for the state dinner on Thursday night. But who else was there?
Here’s a list of some of the famous faces who attended:
- Chrissy Teigen
- John Legend
- Stephen Colbert
- Jennifer Garner
- Ariana Debose
- Anna Wintour
- Tim Cook
- Christian Louboutin
- Julia Louis Dreyfus
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