President Trump and French President Emmanuel Macron met here Saturday amid tensions over Macron’s call for a “true European army” — remarks the U.S. president deemed “very insulting” moments after he landed here for World War I commemoration ceremonies this weekend.

There were some visible signs of strain between the two men Saturday even as they exchanged warm words at the start of their bilateral meeting at Elysee Palace. Appealing to Trump’s “America First” agenda, Macron stressed publicly that European nations in the NATO alliance should pay more in defense — an attempt to soothe Trump over one of his constant irritations.

“I do share President Trump’s views that we need a much better burden-sharing with NATO,” Macron said at the start of their meeting, as Trump sat on the edge of his chair with a tight smile on his face. “My proposals for European defense are totally consistent with that.”