President-elect Donald Trump embarks on his first international journey, attending Notre Dame Cathedral’s reopening ceremony in Paris alongside global leaders and dignitaries. The event celebrates the cathedral’s restoration following the devastating 2019 fire.
In accepting the invitation earlier this week, Trump commended President Macron’s efforts, stating that the restoration surpassed expectations and heralded the day as momentous.
Despite a complex history with Trump, President Macron has actively cultivated a relationship with the president-elect since his victory over Vice President Harris. However, Macron’s office downplayed the invitation’s significance, noting that other non-office-holding politicians also received invitations.
Trump’s invitation was extended as the president-elect of a friendly nation, a practice Macron’s office described as routine.
While President Biden was also invited, a scheduling conflict prevents his attendance; First Lady Jill Biden will represent the U.S. instead.
Trump and the U.S. first lady last met at the White House for the customary meeting between outgoing and incoming presidents.
Trump’s trip coincides with European leaders’ efforts to secure his support for Ukraine’s defense against Russia’s ongoing invasion.
Prior to the Notre Dame event, Trump will meet with President Macron and Britain’s Prince William, who will also meet with Jill Biden.
President Macron will separately meet with Ukrainian President Zelenskyy. Trump’s potential meeting with Zelenskyy remains uncertain. Trump’s pledge to swiftly end the war in Ukraine, without specifying how, has caused concern in Kyiv.
To foster trust with the incoming administration, Zelenskyy’s chief of staff, Andriy Yermak, met with key members of Trump’s team for two days. A senior Ukrainian official, speaking anonymously, described these meetings as productive but declined to provide specifics.
Franco-American relations during Trump’s first term started cordially but deteriorated over time.
Macron was the guest of honor at Trump’s first state dinner, and Trump visited France multiple times. However, the relationship strained after Macron criticized Trump’s questioning of NATO’s necessity and America’s commitment to it.
During the campaign, Trump frequently mocked Macron, mimicking his accent and threatening tariffs on French wine and champagne in response to potential taxes on American companies.
Macron was among the first world leaders to congratulate Trump following his election victory, expressing his readiness to collaborate.
“Congratulations, President @realDonaldTrump,” Macron posted on X. “Ready to work together as we did for four years. With your convictions and mine. With respect and ambition. For more peace and prosperity.”
Trump was president when a large fire devastated Notre Dame Cathedral in 2019, causing the collapse of its spire and threatening its destruction.
“So horrible to watch the massive fire at Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris,” , offering his advice to the city.
“Perhaps flying water tankers could be used to put it out. Must act quickly!” he wrote.
Trump recently announced his intention to nominate Charles Kushner, father of Jared Kushner, as ambassador to France, a role previously held by figures like Benjamin Franklin and Thomas Jefferson.