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Trump vs Macron: the end of the bromance

In all great love stories, there are several common elements. There is the exciting encounter, the whirlwind romance, a fight, and then either break-up or happily-ever-after. Donald Trump and Emmanuel Macron’s relationship has charted a very similar path since they first met in April. But unfortunately for French-American relations, it is increasingly looking like their great bromance is heading for disaster.

Despite a shaky start when they first met (and a tortuously long handshake) the two presidents surprised everyone when they began to get on famously after Donald Trump went to Paris for Bastille day. The pair bonded over a joint love of military parades, and the French wannabe-Sun King treated Trump like the emperor he longed to be while he visited.

But soon after their relationship began to fray. At the weekend, they clashed over Macron’s desire to build a European army, and at the centenary celebrations, the French president attacked his American counterpart’s nationalism, while Trump snubbed Macron by visiting an American cemetery.

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Steerpike

Steerpike is The Spectator's gossip columnist, serving up the latest tittle tattle from Westminster and beyond. Email tips to steerpike@spectator.co.uk or message @MrSteerpike

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