Donald Trump cools down on climate during Paris visit

Paris: US President Donald Trump suggested on Thursday he could change his position on the Paris climate accord in remarks after talks with his French counterpart Emmanuel Macron.

“Something could happen with respect to the Paris accord,” he said at a joint news conference with Mr Macron six weeks after announcing that the United States would abandon the 2015 pact, adding,  “We’ll see what happens.”

Mr Macron said he “respected” Trump’s decision but France remained committed to the accord.

Earlier on Thursday, the 39-year-old French leader said he had a “strong disagreement... about the climate” deal  with Mr Trump, adding, “I hope in the end to be able to persuade him.”

Mr Trump, whose country is the world’s second biggest producer of greenhouse gases after China, drew widespread criticism when he announced on June 1 that he would quit the pact.  Mr Macron rolled out the red carpet to welcome Mr Trump for an overseas trip the White House hopes will offer respite from a growing scandal back home.

The US President is to be Mr Macron’s guest of honour during celebrations for Bastille Day on Friday, France’s national day, which will also celebrate the 100th anniversary of US involvement in World War I. Accompanied by First Lady Melania Trump, the 71-year-old stepped onto French soil for the first time as President, hoping to leave behind weighty allegations that his family and inner circle colluded with Russia to win the 2016 US election.

The scandal has put his son and top aides in legal jeopardy, cast a pall over his efforts to remake the political agenda and may yet imperil his presidency.

Mr Macron gave Mr Trump a personal tour of Napoleon’s tomb at the Invalides military complex in central Paris, before the two men headed for talks. But the young and ambitious Macron has taken the lead in trying to build bridges something criticised by some far-left politicians in France.