President Trump should visit Le Golf National golf course outside Paris, France, on Sunday to watch the final matches of the Ryder Cup. An avid golf fan, Trump would likely enjoy the experience. But his visit would also be a diplomatic coup.
Of course, it is the sporting side of things that gives Trump his first good reason to go to France. For one, with Tiger Woods back in action following his first tournament win since 2013, there is real potential for the U.S. team to retain the cup. That would be special to see.
The biennial golfing tournament between the top golfers from America and Europe offers appeal for another reason. The Ryder Cup isn’t just a festivity of sporting excellence, it’s a celebration of historic allies. Since the end of the Second World War, the U.S. and Europe have established extraordinarily close political, economic, and security relationships. These things have made lives better on both sides of the Atlantic by providing a shared peace and prosperity.
Yet, with significant divergences between the Trump administration and Europe on issues such as climate change, Iran, military spending, and trade, U.S.-European relations are under pressure. And while those differences won’t be resolved on the golf course, Trump’s travel to Paris would demonstrate his commitment to resolving these differences as friends. That distinction with adversarial conduct matters greatly in allowing the U.S. and Europe to focus on issues of mutual interest, such as in countering China’s economic policy, for example.
Trump’s visit would be good for one further reason: boosting his friend, French President Emmanuel Macron. Although Trump is unpopular in France, his visit would remind the French electorate that Macron has Trump’s ear. That would offer a small but welcome boost to the under-pressure French leader. Indeed, Trump might even give Macron the inspiration to do what is necessary to boost his flagging approval ratings: take bolder action on domestic reform!
Yes, Air Force One’s flight costs aren’t cheap. But neither is the opportunity cost of missing out on the Ryder Cup’s revelry and all its diplomatic accoutrements!
