On Thursday 1 June, from The White House Rose Garden, President Trump announced his decision to withdraw the United States from the Paris Agreement on climate change. He described the move as a reassertion of American sovereignty and said: “I was elected to represent the citizens of Pittsburgh, not Paris”.
Mr Trump criticized the climate accord as an example of an agreement that Washington enters that disadvantages the American people.
Just two hours later, French President Emmanuel Macron reacted from Paris to the U.S. announcement.
Mr Macron's statement took everyone by surprise because it was the first time in the history of the French Republic, a president has made a speech from Elysée in language other than French. He became the first French president to address his country and the world in English.
Big surprise but good reasons
Speaking English, Mr Macron sent his message directly to the American people and to the world without the filter of translation, correct or otherwise. This is a good way to fix all the words used.
The statement is a new stage in the strange test of strength with President Trump after their tense handshake of last month…
In a direct message to American “scientists, engineers, entrepreneurs, committed citizens” Mr Macron said: “I want to say that they will find in France a second homeland. I call on them: ’Come, work and here with us, to work together on concrete solutions for our climate.’”
At the end of his speech Macron adopted Trump’s signature slogan — “Make America Great Again” — but changed it slightly to invert the U.S. president’s agenda. “Make Our Planet Great Again”.
He said: “I call on you to remain confident. We will succeed,” the French leader said. “Because we are fully committed, because wherever we live, whoever we are, we all share the same responsibility: Make our planet great again.”
After his speech, Macron tweeted a photo saying "make our planet great again" to reiterate his message.