Macron offers Trump replacement 'friendship' tree

French president Emmanuel Macron has promised to send a new oak tree to his American counterpart Donald Trump after the first one died in quarantine.

In an interview with Switzerland's RTS network, Macron downplayed the death of the oak tree, saying people shouldn't read symbols into everything.

"It's no big drama," Macron said. "The symbol was to plant it together."

"I'll send another oak because I think the US Marines and the friendship for freedom between our peoples is well worth it."

After the tree's death was reported across global channels, many on social media had found the symbolism satirical.