Washington — President Trump is scheduled to meet on Monday with French President Emmanuel Macron, marking the first visit by a European leader to the White House since Trump resumed office last month.
Trump and Macron, who have maintained a strong relationship since both took office in 2017, will engage in a bilateral meeting and subsequent news conference on Monday afternoon, following their participation in a Group of Seven call earlier in the day to commemorate three years since the onset of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
This meeting coincides with a gathering of over a dozen Western leaders, including European and Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, who convened in Kyiv on Monday to demonstrate their ongoing support three years into the conflict with Russia. Conversely, the U.S. has rekindled its ties with Russian President Vladimir Putin and is pursuing negotiations to end the conflict, a significant deviation from the previous Biden administration’s approach. Preparations are now taking place for a proposed meeting between Trump and Putin, according to comments made by Russia’s deputy foreign minister on state media this past Saturday.
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Recently, Trump has intensified his public conflict with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, labeling Zelenskyy a “dictator.” He has claimed that Ukraine should provide something in return for the American support it has received, highlighting U.S. interest in Ukraine’s rare minerals.
Over the weekend, Zelenskyy stated his willingness to resign in exchange for Ukraine’s accession to the NATO military alliance.
The discussions between the U.S. and French presidents are expected to primarily focus on the ongoing war between Russia and Ukraine, particularly as Macron and Trump’s perspectives on the issue seem to diverge. Despite their shared goal of ending the conflict, Macron has emphasized the need for Ukraine’s interests to be represented and the importance of enhancing European security amidst the worst military conflict in Europe since World War II.
Additionally, Trump is slated to meet with British Prime Minister Keir Starmer at the White House later this week.
How to watch Trump and Macron’s press conference today
- What: President Trump and French President Emmanuel Macron’s press conference
- Date: Monday, Feb. 24, 2025
- Time: 2 p.m. ET
- Location: White House
- Online stream: Live on CBS News 24/7 in the player above and on your mobile or streaming device.
