CounterPunch Exclusives

CounterPunch Exclusives

The Ugly American Comes to Europe: Donald Trump in France

Trump and the Macrons at Versailles. (Screengrab from CSPAN.)

Donald Trump’s visit to Évian and Versailles offered this Geneva resident an unusually close look at the American president as the local press reported on all the ins and outs of his drop-by. While much of the commentary has focused on the G7 and the very thin memorandum of understanding with Iran, what stood out was Trump’s conduct. His declaration that “I’m the boss,” his hostility toward journalists, and the pageantry at Versailles all reinforced the image of a president increasingly drawn to the trappings of royal power. Trump turned the visit into another display of self-aggrandizement, reinforcing his image as the “Ugly American.”

The “Ugly American” is the stereotype of an American abroad: loud, domineering, culturally tone-deaf, and convinced that American ways are inherently superior. During his 48-hour visit to France, Trump checked every box. With Trump, the tourist stereotype has become a style of statecraft.

First, at the G7, Trump arrived late for a working session. As he entered the room, where the session had already started, instead of apologizing for being late, he greeted the room with “I’m the boss.”  He then offered to let the press stay in what was supposed to be a closed-door meeting.

Trump’s remark landed with an awkward silence. His tap on the German Chancellor’s shoulder as he took his seat did nothing to change the atmosphere. No leader publicly challenged him, allowing his statement to pass without visible objection. The principal people around the table were the leaders of France,........

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