Trump Signs Iran Accord at Versailles Palace, Drawing Historian Criticism

Former U.S. President Donald Trump signed a memorandum of understanding with Iran on June 17 at the Palace of Versailles in France during a dinner commemorating the 250th anniversary of American independence. Trump confirmed the signing to French television reporters outside the palace, gesturing to demonstrate the act and pointing back toward the building as he stated the agreement was completed there. The White House subsequently released video footage showing Trump signing the accord, which contains fourteen clauses, at a dinner table within the palace while French President Emmanuel Macron applauded and U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio stood witness.

The location choice sparked criticism from American historian Kevin Kruse, who questioned the symbolic implications of signing what he described as a surrender agreement at Versailles. Kruse pointed out that Germany signed the Treaty of Versailles at the same location in 1919, formally acknowledging defeat in World War I. The historian expressed disbelief on social media, characterizing Trump's decision to sign an agreement tantamount to unconditional surrender at this historically significant site as "absurd" and "incredible."

The incident drew attention to the historical resonance of the Palace of Versailles as a setting for agreements marking military and diplomatic defeats, with Kruse's commentary highlighting the controversial nature of Trump's choice of venue for a major international accord.