The White House on Monday said that French President Francois Hollande’s separation from first lady Valerie Trierweiler was not a logistical problem ahead of his visit to Washington for a state dinner next month.
{mosads}”The president and everyone here looks very much forward to the visit of the French president for a state dinner and state visit, and that remains the case,” White House press secretary Jay Carney said Monday.
Earlier Monday, Hollande announced the separation, which came on the heels of a tabloid report that he was having an affair with French film star Julie Gayet. Trierweiler was hospitalized after news of the affair broke, and has since been staying at a residence owned by Hollande near Versailles.
Hollande had said that the question of who France’s first lady is would be resolved before his visit to the U.S.
His announcement on Monday appeared to signal that the 48-year old journalist would not continue in that capacity, or appear at the state dinner.
When the White House initially announced the invitation, it was addressed to “President Hollande and Valérie Trierweiler.”
But the White House later referred questions about the French delegation to the French government.
“There are no changes,” spokesman Jay Carney said. “The president looks forward to seeing President Hollande for the state visit in February. On issues of the delegation that the French come with, I would refer you to the French government.”
–This report was updated at 3:00 p.m.