Trump delays – President Donald Trump changed his travel plans during the G7 in France, delaying his return to the U.S. after French President Emmanuel Macron invited him to dinner at the Palace of Versailles on June 16. Trump framed the shift as a chance to enjoy “the real
When President Donald Trump’s G7 bilateral meeting in Evian, France wrapped up on June 16, his schedule didn’t. He stayed in the conversation long enough for reporters to ask why his next steps had changed—why his return trip was pushed back from France to the U.S.
His answer landed on a detail that has followed him for years: glitter.
“I’m a fan of beautiful places,” Trump said as he explained that he delayed his trip back during the G7 bilateral meeting at Evian, France, on June 16. “Versailles is not a gold leaf. Versailles is the real deal.”
That line wasn’t just about architecture. It mapped to a moment of motion—an itinerary rewritten because an invitation arrived from French President Emmanuel Macron.
Macron had extended the invitation to dine at the Palace of Versailles, and Trump altered his plans accordingly. The return trip was delayed on June 17 by a few hours after the G7 meeting.
At the dinner table, Trump said, the math was simple: he’d get home later, but it wouldn’t derail his routine.
“The French president, who happens to be a very nice man, invited me to dinner at Versailles,” he said, responding to a reporter’s question about what prompted the change of plans. “All it means is that I get home later in the evening, meaning early in the morning, and I’m not a big sleeper anyway.”
Versailles is not the kind of setting that blends into the background. The Palace of Versailles served as the principal royal residence of France from 1682 until the start of the French Revolution in 1789. Its iconic gates, sculptures, and interiors are adorned with over 1,000 kilograms of 22-carat gold. One of its best-known spaces is the Hall of Mirrors, a Baroque gallery built around ornate reflections.
The gold carried political meaning as well. It symbolized the absolute power of King Louis XIV—known as the “Sun King.”
Trump’s interest in such visual symbols has shown up in other, more private rooms too. The account of his taste traces it through the Oval Office. describing gold-colored appliqués on the fireplace. gilded mirrors. and ornate Rococo-style dessert stands and flower vases sourced from London and France. It also describes the walls as lined with paintings of former presidents in heavily ornate gold frames.
The fascination has produced a trail of gifts from world leaders that reflect the same theme. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu gifted Trump a golden pager. South Korean President Lee Jae Myung presented a replica of a historic golden Silla Kingdom royal crown. Apple CEO Tim Cook gave a 24-karat gold and glass plaque. A delegation of Swiss business leaders—including the CEO of Rolex—gifted a gold Rolex desk clock and a personalized gold bar.
On June 16, the Palace of Versailles became the latest high-profile stage for that taste—changing not just how long Trump would stay in France, but how his return would unfold on June 17.
The sequence is tight: a Macron invitation, a delayed return, and an explanation built around an attraction to gilded grandeur. Even the practical reassurance Trump offered—home later in the evening. early in the morning—kept the spotlight on the same idea: Versailles wasn’t just on the map. it was the plan.
Donald Trump Emmanuel Macron G7 Evian Palace of Versailles gold travel plans June 16 June 17 Oval Office
So he delayed his trip for glitter? okay.
Not surprised Trump stays for some fancy dinner lol. I’m just wondering if the schedule stuff is always ‘for beautiful places’ or if he ever actually works on anything at these things.
Wait I thought he was in a bunker mode during the G7 or whatever, and now it’s just like oh Macron invited him to Versailles. Also how does ‘glitter’ even matter? Is this like a metaphor or are they literally talking about gold leaf 🤔
This is kinda wild like everyone’s at the G7 and he’s like ‘Versailles is the real deal’… bro that sounds like a campaign line. Then he gets home later like that’s no big deal, but also he delayed everything by ‘a few hours’ like that’s nothing? Meanwhile I’m sure taxpayers are footing the bill for the extra flights and hotel logistics. Glitter this, gold leaf that, who cares, just do the meetings.