PARIS (TIP): France rolled out the red carpet, July 13, to welcome Donald Trump on a presidential visit laden with military pomp that the White House hopes will offer respite from a growing scandal back home.

The US president’s brief 24-hour trip to the French capital coincides with celebrations for Bastille Day, France’s national day which is marked on Friday, and the 100th anniversary of US involvement in World War I.

Accompanied by First Lady Melania Trump, the 71-year-old stepped onto French soil for the first time as President hoping the visit will distract from weighty allegations that his family and inner circle colluded with Russia to win the 2016 US election.

The scandal has put his son and top aides in legal jeopardy, cast a pall over his efforts to remake the political agenda and may yet imperil his presidency.

During the brief visit, Trump—who sees himself as a transformative figure in US history—will be the guest of honor for Friday’s Bastille Day festivities that mark a pivotal point in the French Revolution. This year’s event also coincides with the centenary of America entering World War I.

 (Source: AFP)