US Special Envoy Steve Witkoff (right) speaks with German National Security Advisor Jens Plotner (left) at the start of a meeting at the Elysee Presidential Palace in Paris, 17 April 2025. Photo: Ludovic Marin
During a visit to Paris, US Special Representative for Russia Steve Witkoff made a statement that caused a flurry of criticism in French society. After talks with French President Emmanuel Macron, Vitkoff said that the Elysee Palace “resembles Donald Trump’s Mar-a-Lago club”, Le Figaro reports .
This seemingly innocuous phrase caused anger among the French and a real storm on social media. Users of the X platform (formerly Twitter) expressed their outrage en masse.
“Only a complete ignoramus would compare an architectural gem of the 18th century to Trump’s kitschy mansion,” wrote one user.
It is worth recalling that the Elysee Palace was built between 1718 and 1720 and is the official residence of the French president. Mar-a-Lago, on the other hand, was built in the 1920s and was acquired by Donald Trump in 1985, turning it into a club for millionaires.
The comparison became even more controversial against the backdrop of Paris’ official status as one of the main centres of European culture and diplomacy.
Along with Vitkoff, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio was also in Paris, but he did not take part in the discussion, but immediately made headlines along with his colleague.
Some French politicians also joined in the criticism, calling Witkoff’s statement “cultural impoliteness” and “disrespect for the history and traditions of France”.
