*Administration of Donald J. Trump, 2018 *

**Remarks Following a Pull-Aside Meeting With President Emmanuel Macron of France and an Exchange With Reporters in Brussels, Belgium **

*July 11, 2018 *

*President Trump.* Thank you very much. It's a great honor to be with a friend of mine—Emmanuel, thank you very much—the President of France, who's doing a terrific job being President of France. He's changing a lot of things around. And I guess that had to happen. And it's—I think it's going to be very successful. We have a tremendous relationship. We're discussing trade. We're discussing NATO. We're discussing a lot of different things. And hopefully, in the end, it will all work out. And so it's great to be with you.

*President Macron*. Thank you, Donald.

[*At this point, President Macron spoke in French, and no translation was provided.*]

*President Trump.* It sounded beautifully. [*Laughter*] I have no idea—it sounded great.

[*President Macron continued in English as follows*.]

*President Macron.* I have to say, I told them exactly the same—[*laughter*]—but in French, for French journalists. And the fact that—no—you. I just reminded everybody that almost 1 year ago you were present with your wife and in Paris for, precisely, Bastille Day.

*President Trump.* That's right. That's right. Beautiful. It was beautiful.

*President Macron.* It was 13th and 14th of July. And we've worked together for—yes—12 months now.

*President Trump.* Sure.

*President Macron.* And took some great decisions. And——

*President Trump.* We've made some good decisions.

*President Macron.* And we'll continue to work together——

*President Trump*. That's right.

*President Macron*. ——on different issues.

*President Trump.* That's right. Thank you very much. Thank you.

*Germany/Russia *

*Q. *President Macron, do you agree that Angela Merkel is beholden to the Russians?

*President Trump.* Oh, I'm glad they asked you that. [*Laughter*]

Thank you. Thank you very much for asking him my question.

*President Macron.* No, I think——

*Q. *No?

*President Macron.* We just discussed the nature of that. We work together.

NOTE: The President spoke at 4:23 p.m. at North Atlantic Treaty Organization Headquarters. A reporter referred to Chancellor Angela Merkel of Germany. *Categories:* Interviews With the News Media : Exchanges with reporters :: Brussels, Belgium; Meetings With Foreign Leaders and International Officials : France, President Macron*.*

*Locations: *Brussels, Belgium.* *

*Names:* Macron, Emmanuel*.*

*Subjects:* Belgium : President Trump's visit; France : President; France : Relations with U.S.; France : Trade with U.S.; North Atlantic Treaty Organization.

*DCPD Number:* DCPD201800480.