France has apologised over a social media post that had stalled the appointment of its incoming ambassador to the United States, in a dispute that threatened to strain relations with the Trump administration.
Mr Lechevallier, chief of staff to French foreign minister Jean-Noël Barrot, had been due to move to Washington this month to replace the outgoing ambassador, Laurent Bili. His appointment, like that of all envoys, requires approval from the host government.
American officials had made clear to France that approval would not be granted until the post was addressed. The State Department and French Foreign Ministry declined to comment on the status of the nomination, but both indicated that the apology was expected to resolve the impasse swiftly.
A French foreign ministry spokesman said: “We are committed to moving the bilateral relationship with our American partners forward.” A State Department official said: “We note and appreciate France’s statement, and look forward to working together to further shared values and interests.”
Mr Lechevallier, 50, is regarded as close to President Emmanuel Macron, having been his classmate and adviser.
The row has highlighted the risks of France’s increasingly combative use of social media since Donald Trump returned to the White House. The foreign ministry operates a popular account that frequently responds, sometimes humorously, to the United States and other critics of Europe.
In a speech last May, Mr Barrot described the account as “isn’t trolling. It’s a geopolitical tool, a real-time reframing tool.”
Gérard Araud, a former French ambassador to Washington, said the post had crossed a line and that France’s failure to respond immediately had worsened the situation.
“The French committed a mistake; they are paying the price. They should have done it earlier,” Mr Araud said. “The U.S. has taken advantage of our ineptitude.”
