Biden’s State Visit to France Includes D-Day Commemoration

PARIS, France—President Joe Biden is scheduled to visit France on June 4 to participate in the 80th-anniversary commemoration of D-Day in Normandy.

The president’s upcoming five-day trip to France, which includes a state visit, coincides with his son’s ongoing trial in Delaware and his efforts to broker a peace agreement in the Middle East.

President Biden is expected to deliver a speech on June 6 to honor the D-Day landings along the Normandy coast in 1944, marking the liberation of France and Europe.

Accompanying President Biden on his visit to France will be First Lady Jill Biden.

On June 7, the president is set to give a speech at Pointe du Hoc, France, emphasizing the importance of “defending freedom and democracy,” as stated by the White House.

Eighty years ago, on D-Day, Allied forces launched a significant naval, air, and land assault on Nazi-occupied France during World War II. The invasion, known as “D-Day,” signifies the start of a major military operation, according to the U.S. military.

The Allied landings on the Normandy beaches, as part of Operation “Overlord,” marked the beginning of a strategic campaign against Germany. On D-Day morning, approximately 133,000 ground troops were landed on five beaches: Utah, Omaha, Gold, Juno, and Sword.

The American beaches at Utah and Omaha were under the Western Task Force’s command.

By June 30, over 850,000 men, 148,000 vehicles, and 570,000 tons of supplies had landed on the Normandy beaches. Two months following the D-Day operation, Allied forces reached Paris and liberated the French capital from German occupation.

On May 7, 1945, German General Alfred Jodl declared an unconditional surrender in Reims, France.

“Seventy-three thousand courageous Americans landed on the Utah and Omaha beaches in Normandy on June 6, 1944, and the president will pay tribute to American veterans and their families during his visit to France to honor their sacrifices,” the White House announced.

Following the ceremonies in Normandy, the president and first lady will stay in Paris for a state visit, which holds significance as it marks the president’s inaugural state visit to France.

“The State Visit will underscore the enduring and comprehensive relationship between the United States and France, our oldest ally, rooted in shared democratic values, economic ties, and defense and security cooperation,” the White House indicated. “President Biden and President Macron will discuss various global challenges and bilateral matters.”

The president’s visit occurs amidst his son, Hunter Biden’s, facing three criminal charges related to a 2018 gun purchase.

President Biden expressed his unconditional support for his son in a statement following the trial’s commencement on June 3, emphasizing the love and pride he and First Lady Jill Biden hold for Hunter Biden.

Hunter Biden has pleaded not guilty to the charges against him.

The ongoing trial follows the recent conviction of former President Donald Trump on 34 first-degree charges of falsifying company records at Manhattan Criminal Court.

President Biden is also under pressure domestically concerning the conflict in Gaza, as evident from his declining approval ratings.

On May 31, President Biden presented an Israeli peace proposal, outlining it as a “roadmap to an enduring ceasefire and the release of all hostages.”

He urged Hamas to accept the plan, comprising three phases.

“Hamas has expressed a desire for a ceasefire. This proposal offers an opportunity to demonstrate their sincerity. Hamas should seize this opportunity,” President Biden asserted.

However, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s government has shown varying responses to the proposition.

“Reports suggesting our agreement to a ceasefire without meeting our conditions are inaccurate,” Mr. Netanyahu declared on June 3.

When asked about the Israeli leader’s stance, President Biden dismissed the notion of political maneuvering, emphasizing Mr. Netanyahu’s dedication to addressing a significant challenge.

Jacob Burg contributed to this report.