The United States and France must “become brothers in arms again,” Macron said, referring to the “return of the war on European soil after the Russian aggression against Ukraine.” The democracies on both sides of the ocean would be rocked by the same dangers. He cited hate speech and false information as examples. The day before, Macron had also focused on an issue that is currently straining relations between the two countries. He warned of a split in Western forces over a US government law that Biden sees as the greatest success of his tenure to date.
The so-called Inflation Reduction Act is intended to boost US industry and give it preference over foreign competitors. Subsidies and tax credits are linked to companies using US products or producing them themselves in the US. Macron warned that this would create such disparities that many companies would no longer invest in Europe. “The decisions made (…) are decisions that will fragment the West,” said Macron at the French embassy in Washington.
Dinner as the highlight
Whether Macron and Biden can get the issue out of the way before the festive state banquet on Thursday evening (local time) initially remained open. The dinner is the highlight of Macron’s state visit. The dinner should be harmonious – the White House has been working on it for six months. The menu features American specialties, including Maine lobster and wine from California’s Napa Valley. American cheese should also be served. The White House said it was “outstanding and award-winning cheeses.” The French pride themselves on their cheese, which also plays a prominent role on the world market. The dinner will be accompanied musically by jazz and soul musician Jon Batiste.