U.S. President-elect Donald Trump is making his first international appearance since his election victory, attending the reopening of Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris. The iconic structure, ravaged by fire in 2019, has been restored to its former glory, marking a significant achievement for French President Emmanuel Macron.
Trump, invited by Macron to the ceremony, praised the French leader for his efforts, stating, “Notre Dame has been restored to its full level of glory, and even more so. It will be a very special day for all!”
The event will bring together several global dignitaries, including Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky. While Macron is scheduled to meet both Trump and Zelensky separately, it remains unclear if Trump and Zelensky will hold discussions. Trump’s comments about ending the war in Ukraine swiftly without elaborating on his strategy have raised concerns in Kyiv.
President Joe Biden, who was also invited, will not attend due to scheduling conflicts. Instead, First Lady Jill Biden will represent the United States.
The restoration of Notre Dame symbolizes a rare triumph for Macron, who championed an ambitious timeline for the project. The cathedral’s spire, vaulted ceiling, and famed stained-glass windows have been painstakingly rebuilt, standing as a testament to global collaboration and resilience.
This visit also underscores the evolving dynamics between Macron and Trump. Relations during Trump’s first term were marked by early camaraderie but later strained over issues like NATO and trade tariffs. However, Macron was among the first to congratulate Trump on his recent election victory, signaling a willingness to foster collaboration.
As Trump prepares to assume office, his interactions with world leaders at the Notre Dame reopening could set the tone for future international relations.
