Late that day, Ivanka called Martin.
Lately, Ivanka had been working closely with her father, and the pressure was immense.
"The hostility within the government is overwhelming, with dangerous stares coming from all directions. The Clinton family's influence in politics is greater than we anticipated."
Ivanka said worriedly, "My dad's temper has been getting worse lately. Since he took office, the media has been leaking one government secret per day on average, and he and his team still can't find the source of the leaks."
"I've advised him to reconcile with the Clinton family, and if necessary, make some concessions. But he flatly refuses."
Martin shook his head inwardly as he listened. Ivanka was still thinking too simply.
Trump had essentially destroyed Hillary's last hope of becoming president. The two sides had openly clashed during the election, and their fundamental interests were opposed. In this situation, reconciliation was impossible.
Even if they reconciled on the surface, the underhanded tricks would continue unabated.
Trump was relatively clear-headed about it.
He said to Ivanka, "Your dad is right. Reconciliation is out of the question. The Clinton family can't cover the sky with one hand. At least during your dad's term, they don't have any good ways to deal with him."
"Impeaching a president isn't that simple. As for assassination, times have changed, and your dad has already made his opposition to the Clintons public, exposing it all to the masses. Now, the Clintons and Hillary not only can't use assassination tactics against him, but they have to pray nothing happens to him. If anything does, everyone will suspect them."
Time had moved into the last week of July.
Trump went to France to attend a centennial war commemoration.
Martin went along.
He wanted to chat with French President Macron about West African immigration issues.
There were still too many Black people in West Africa; he needed to divert some to France.
In Martin's eyes, not just Guinea but all of West Africa was in his plans—it would all be his territory eventually.
Jules Verne Restaurant.
This top-tier French restaurant, run by renowned chef Alain Ducasse, was located on the second floor of the Eiffel Tower.
That day.
Trump, Macron, and Martin—the three of them—dined together in the restaurant.
"Why is that Martin there too?"
"Isn't he just a director? What qualifications does he have to join a meeting between national leaders?"
"You don't know?"
"Know what?"
"Martin is Trump's son-in-law. The U.S. president's eldest daughter is in a relationship with him."
"That's nonsense!"
A reporter from the U.S. interrupted the French reporter's wild speculations.
He said, "You have no idea how influential this guy is in U.S. politics. He's a senior advisor to two presidents, has close ties with multiple senators from both the Democratic and Republican parties, is an energy industry tycoon, and is one of the richest people in the world. Of course he's qualified to dine with the two presidents."
Inside the restaurant, Martin was unaware of the discussions about him outside. He was enjoying the renowned chef's personally prepared blue lobster, chickpeas with sorrel sauce and roasted highland chicken, Noirmoutier potatoes baked with artichokes, and smoked salted butter with golden caviar.
The flavors were delectable. French cuisine held its own in taste, rivaling Ching Chong food—though portion sizes... well, Martin felt he definitely wouldn't be full.
Trump had no appreciation for this impromptu dinner.
He preferred bloody steaks and junk food.
After exchanging a few words with Trump, Macron realized they couldn't connect. This U.S. president spoke directly and crudely, nothing like a politician.
Fortunately, there was someone else.
Macron turned to Martin.
Chatting with him was far more pleasant.
"So, Martin, let's continue discussing your proposal about immigration."
"Mr. President, given the declining birth rates in France, I believe France should further relax immigration policies."
"Population growth means a corresponding increase in government tax revenue. The French government can collect more taxes, invest in social infrastructure, and create a better environment for societal development, painting a brighter future for its citizens."
"Moreover, West African immigrants have lower wage and benefit demands, and they're more willing to have children. A large-scale influx of West African immigrants should become a national policy for France."
Martin spoke persuasively, subtly weaving in his incubus charm.
Macron was visibly swayed.
...
The day after the dinner.
Trump, accompanied by his current wife, visited France's famous landmark—the Paris Invalides—with Macron and his wife.
The French government's official Facebook page posted photos and short videos of their visit.
But just as the visit was wrapping up, Trump made a misstep.
He turned to Macron's wife, Brigitte, and said, "Your figure is fantastic."
After saying this, the guy turned back to Macron, repeated it, then turned to Brigitte again and said, "Really beautiful!"
Macron's expression visibly froze, and his wife, Brigitte, was at a loss for words.
The moment was... excruciatingly awkward!
Brigitte, once Macron's high school teacher, was 64 years old—much older than the 39-year-old Macron.
Martin was immensely grateful he wasn't there.
...
After returning from France.
Trump launched a new initiative, targeting products made abroad but falsely labeled as "Made in USA." Thus, he introduced "Made in USA Week."
That day, Trump and Vice President Pence held an exhibition on the White House South Lawn, showcasing products made in various U.S. states.
The exhibition featured items like Alaskan bowls, Hawaiian rum, Nevada candies, Connecticut helicopters, and Delaware NASA space suits.
On-site, he urged American consumers to buy domestic products: "When we purchase American-made goods, the profits, income, and most importantly, jobs stay in our country."
"Construction workers, farmers, artisans, and other laborers make America greater through their daily work. I call on Americans today or this week to pay special tribute to them."
In a statement, Trump said, "I am dedicated to promoting American manufacturing and opening global markets for American goods."
At the event, he told industry leaders he wanted "Made in USA" to once again be a source of pride.
"Remember when products used to bear the 'Made in the USA' label? We're going to do that again. We'll put that mark back on our products because 'Made in the USA' means it's the best."
But his "Made in USA Week" was criticized by U.S. media as "a hypocritical joke."