President-elect Donald Trump is set to travel to Paris this weekend to attend the grand reopening of Notre Dame Cathedral, marking his first international trip since his re-election victory.
Notre Dame Reopens After Devastating Fire
The iconic Paris landmark, nearly destroyed in a catastrophic 2019 fire, will officially reopen Saturday following over five years of meticulous reconstruction. The two-day celebration will see heightened security as approximately 50 global leaders, including French President Emmanuel Macron, gather to honor the cathedral’s restoration.
Trump announced his plans in a Truth Social post Monday night, calling it “an honor” to witness the cathedral’s rebirth. “President Emmanuel Macron has done a wonderful job ensuring that Notre Dame has been restored to its full level of glory, and even more so. It will be a very special day for all!” Trump wrote.
A Complicated History with Notre Dame and Macron
As president in 2019, Trump expressed his shock at the Notre Dame fire, even offering advice via Twitter to extinguish the blaze quickly. His suggestion of using water tankers was swiftly dismissed by French officials, who warned it could collapse the fragile structure. Trump also reached out to Macron and Pope Francis, offering U.S. expertise in reconstruction efforts.
Despite a turbulent relationship with Macron during his first term, marked by disagreements over NATO and trade, the French president was quick to congratulate Trump after his November victory. Macron and other European leaders are now lobbying Trump to maintain U.S. support for Ukraine amidst ongoing tensions with Russia.
Trump Names New Ambassador to France
Ahead of the trip, Trump announced his intent to nominate Charles Kushner, father of his son-in-law Jared Kushner, as U.S. ambassador to France. The elder Kushner, pardoned by Trump in 2020, has faced past legal controversies but is seen as a close ally.
Elaborate Celebrations Planned
The reopening festivities will include a service led by Paris Archbishop Laurent Ulrich, who will symbolically reawaken the cathedral’s grand organ—painstakingly restored after being coated in toxic dust from the fire. A star-studded concert featuring global talents like Yo-Yo Ma, Lang Lang, and Angelique Kidjo will follow on Saturday evening.
Sunday will feature an inaugural Mass and altar consecration, attended by nearly 170 bishops and priests from Paris’s 106 parishes. The celebrations will also include a public viewing area along the Seine for thousands of spectators.
As the world turns its attention to Notre Dame’s revival, Trump’s attendance highlights the enduring significance of the cathedral as a symbol of resilience and unity.
