Aerospace

Paris Air Show to give defense industry opportunity to smooth Trump's 'America first' rhetoric

The first European air show of the Trump era comes at a time when comments from President Donald Trump have strained longstanding U.S. alliances. But for the U.S. government and defense industry, the Paris Air Show will likely be full speed ahead. 

Executives with the Aerospace Industries Association, the largest defense-focused trade association in the states, believe business interest will remain strong at the show, which kicks off on June 19. It also could represent an opportunity for administration officials to calm fears that an “America first” policy is coming, they told Defense News. 

“This show can represent an opportunity to perhaps challenge or revise assumptions that many of our partners, economic and security partners, might have about the new administration and its focus,” said Remy Nathan, a regular at defense trade shows in his role as vice president of international affairs with AIA.