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SunshineGirl As I understand, there is ambiguity about the legality of federal pardons in American law, let alone international.
Diplomacy is about trust and confidence. You can't restore that by presidential fiat. If he does not have the confidence and respect of his hosts he will be as much use as a chocolate teapot.
Article II, Section 2 of the Constitution vests the president with a broad but limited power “to grant Reprieves and Pardons.” The pardon power is intended as a tool for justice and mercy (an “act of grace”) and to further “the public welfare.” While it must always be exercised it in the public interest.”
No Presidential pardon has ever been revoked, once it was made official.
What the President cannot pardon is STATE and Civil convictions. The Constitution is explicit about this.
Whether a country admits a US citizen, is strictly up to that country. For instance, if I have a criminal conviction and try to drive to Canada, I will be turned back at the border. Quite a few people found that out the hard way, when they trying to go to Taylor Swift's last Vancouver concert, and were turned around, because they had a DUI.
As to whether France will roll out the red carpet for the now pardoned, criminal, it's not really about diplomacy but about Jean de La Fontaine's Le Renard et l'Agneau.
We, Americans, decided that Trump is going to be our President. He was extremely clear about his agenda. Macron invited him to be at his side, during the re-opening of Notre Dame, a Cathedral that would be lost to history, had they listened to Trump's advice on how to put the fire down.
Trump announced his choice for Ambassador to France, on Nov 30. Macron had Trump at his side on Dec 7th.
I think it's pointless to speculate whether the French will protest the US choice of Ambassador.
