President Donald Trump received backlash from abroad and from a number of lawmakers in the U.S. for the cancellation of the Aisne-Marne American Cemetery visit. | AP Photo/Jacquelyn Martin White House Trump claims he tried to salvage trip to French cemetery for U.S. troops

President Donald Trump on Tuesday claimed he tried to salvage a trip to a French cemetery for American troops, but that the Secret Service nixed his idea of driving after he reportedly couldn't fly in the rain.

"By the way, when the helicopter couldn’t fly to the first cemetery in France because of almost zero visibility, I suggested driving," he tweeted. "Secret Service said NO, too far from airport & big Paris shutdown. Speech next day at American Cemetary in pouring rain! Little reported-Fake News!"


The president was in Paris last weekend to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the end of World War I.

The White House canceled a visit for Trump to Aisne-Marne American Cemetery, where he was slated to deliver remarks, due to rainy weather, which the president’s Marine One helicopter generally does not fly in. The cemetery, where 2,289 veterans are buried, is about 60 miles from Paris, where the president was staying.

In addition, the Belleau Wood is adjacent to the cemetery, which celebrates U.S. Marines who fought there in a pivotal battle in 1918.

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Chief of staff John Kelly and Gen. Joe Dunford, the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, attended the ceremony instead.

The president on Sunday delivered remarks at Suresnes American Cemetery and Memorial, which is located right outside Paris. There are 1,541 American World War I veterans buried there.

Trump received backlash from abroad and from a number of lawmakers in the U.S. for the cancellation of the cemetery visit.