Trump Accepts Macron's Dinner Invitation at Palace of Versailles During G7 Meeting

French President Emmanuel Macron invited U.S. President Donald Trump to dinner at the Palace of Versailles during a G7 bilateral meeting in Evian, France, on June 16, 2026. Trump accepted the invitation, delaying his return to the United States by several hours. "I'm a fan of beautiful places," Trump said of the decision. "Versailles is not a gold leaf. Versailles is the real deal."

The invitation appealed to Trump's well-documented affinity for gold and opulent aesthetics. The Oval Office has been extensively decorated with gold accents, including gold-colored appliqués on the fireplace, gilded mirrors, ornate Rococo-style furnishings, and paintings of former presidents displayed in heavily ornate gold frames. World leaders have recognized this preference in their gift selections, presenting Trump with a golden pager from Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, a replica of a historic golden Silla Kingdom royal crown from South Korean President Lee Jae Myung, a 24-karat gold and glass plaque from Apple CEO Tim Cook, and a gold Rolex desk clock plus personalized gold bar from Swiss business leaders.

The Palace of Versailles, the principal royal residence of France from 1682 until the French Revolution in 1789, is renowned for its gold-adorned architecture and interiors. The palace's iconic gates, sculptures, and interiors contain over 1,000 kilograms of 22-carat gold. The Hall of Mirrors, one of the palace's most famous rooms, features heavily ornate Baroque-style galleries showcasing the elaborate gold decoration that historically symbolized the absolute power of King Louis XIV, known as the "Sun King."

Trump characterized the dinner invitation as a gracious gesture from Macron, describing the French president as "a very nice man." The president indicated that the schedule adjustment would result in a later evening departure and earlier morning arrival in the United States, noting that he is "not a big sleeper anyway."