Belleau, France – President Joe Biden concluded his visit to France by commencing to pay his respects at an American military cemetery that his predecessor, Donald Trump, notably chose to skip during his time in office. In a gesture aimed at underscoring the importance of the upcoming November election, Biden ended his journey on Sunday by honoring American war dead at the Aisne-Marne American Cemetery, located about an hour outside Paris.
Throughout the trip, Biden subtly addressed the specter of Trump’s presidency by celebrating the alliance between the United States and France, especially poignant during an election year when Trump’s actions have challenged traditional American roles on the global stage. Each reference made by Biden during his visit emphasized the transatlantic partnership and the importance of democracy, contrasting Trump’s earlier stance on key issues such as assisting Ukraine in its conflict with Russia.
By choosing to visit a cemetery that Trump had avoided in the past, Biden highlighted the stark differences in leadership approach between the two administrations. Biden’s remarks, both in Europe and back in the U.S., have consistently reinforced his message about the value of alliances and the necessity of upholding democratic values – themes that have resonated strongly with European leaders and audiences.
Notably, Biden’s decision to echo President Reagan’s historic speech at Pointe du Hoc, a site symbolizing the struggles between the West and the Soviet Union during the Cold War, aimed to appeal to traditional conservatives disenchanted with Trump’s isolationist policies. By emphasizing the importance of protecting democracy and honoring the sacrifices of past American soldiers, Biden positioned himself as a unifying figure who opposed what he sees as a threat to core American values.
As Biden wraps up his trip to France, his strategic choices and symbolic gestures have not gone unnoticed. By engaging with key historical sites and emphasizing the value of alliances through his rhetoric, Biden seeks to connect with a broad base of voters, both at home and abroad. The implications of his actions and words during this trip will likely continue to reverberate as the election season unfolds.