An official familiar with preparations for the trip said the two sides will discuss Ukraine, Iran and trade relations in the wake of Trump’s tariff threats.
Macron’s meeting with Witkoff comes only days after the envoy met Russian President Vladimir Putin to discuss a possible ceasefire in Ukraine after Russia-U.S. talks stalled in recent weeks. The encounter in Moscow was “another step in the negotiating process towards a ceasefire” despite Trump’s “frustration,” according to the White House press secretary.
The French president has been leading European efforts to provide Kyiv with security guarantees, including the deployment of a so-called reassurance force in Ukraine, in the event of a truce.
The trip marks the first time high-level American dignitaries have traveled to France since U.S. Vice-President JD Vance attended a summit on artificial intelligence in February.
Tariffs are expected to be high on the agenda. Last week, Macron said Trump’s move to suspend his most punishing tariffs for 90 days offers only a “fragile” pause in tensions.
Nahal Toosi contributed to this report.
