Macron deftly handled a hastily-scheduled meeting with Trump after a first round of conversations between the 29 member nations of NATO, reminding the leader who has become his friend that this week marks the anniversary of the occasion on which they spent Bastille Day together in France with their wives.
Macron's friendly conversation with Trump on Wednesday was a bright spot in the U.S. president's day.
After a stand-off with EU Council chief Donald Tusk on Tuesday and tense meeting with German Chancellor Angela Merkel, the chat with Macron offered Trump an opportunity to unwind.
Trump had uncorked a tirade against Germany his first NATO meeting on Wednesday. It set the tone for tense talks as President Trump met German Chancellor Angela Merkel later in the day in Belgium.
In addition to the delegations of the NATO member states, heads of tens of partner states, as well as the participants of the Resolute Support mission in Afghanistan are invited to attend the summit at different formats.
The summit is shaping up to be one of the most difficult alliance gatherings in years as Trump continues to pressure NATO allies to increase their military spending.
