Donald Trump is heading to Paris for the highly anticipated reopening of Notre Dame Cathedral, which has been restored following the devastating fire of 2019. Trump, who is on his first international trip since being elected president, will join world leaders and dignitaries at the event on Saturday.
In a statement accepting the invitation, Trump praised French President Emmanuel Macron for his efforts in restoring the cathedral, calling it "a wonderful job" that "has returned Notre Dame to its full glory." He added, "It will be a very special day for all!"
Macron and Trump have had a fluctuating relationship over the years. Since Trump’s recent victory over Vice President Kamala Harris, Macron has worked to build a stronger rapport with the president-elect. However, Macron's office downplayed the invitation’s significance, noting that politicians not in office had also been invited. The French government clarified that Trump was invited as president-elect of a "friendly nation," and such invitations had been extended in the past.
President Joe Biden was also invited, but he will not attend due to a scheduling conflict. Instead, First Lady Jill Biden will represent the U.S. at the event. Trump and Jill Biden last met shortly after the election when he visited the White House for the traditional meeting between outgoing and incoming presidents.
Trump’s visit to Paris comes at a time when Macron and other European leaders are working to gain the president-elect's support for Ukraine’s defense against Russia. Macron is scheduled to meet with Trump and separately with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy ahead of the Notre Dame event.
During Trump’s first term, relations between France and the U.S. were initially warm but grew strained. Macron was the guest of honor at Trump’s first state dinner, and Trump made several visits to France. However, tensions rose after Macron criticized Trump’s stance on NATO and doubts about America’s commitment to the alliance.
On the campaign trail this year, Trump mocked Macron, imitating his accent and warning of heavy tariffs on French wine and champagne if France taxed American companies. Despite this, Macron was one of the first world leaders to congratulate Trump after the election. "Congratulations, President @realDonaldTrump," Macron posted on X, expressing readiness to work together with Trump "with respect and ambition. For more peace and prosperity."
Trump was president during the 2019 fire at Notre Dame, which caused significant damage, including the collapse of the spire. In the aftermath, Trump suggested using water tankers to help extinguish the flames. French officials responded, stating that all efforts were being made to control the fire, but water-bombing aircrafts could risk collapsing the structure.
Recently, Trump announced plans to nominate Charles Kushner, his son-in-law Jared Kushner’s father, to serve as U.S. ambassador to France.
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