President-elect Donald Trump has landed in Paris for his first international trip following his election victory last month. He is set to participate in a historic ceremony marking the reopening of the iconic Notre-Dame Cathedral, which has been under extensive restoration since a devastating fire in April 2019.
The reopening ceremony will take place on December 8, 2024, and will be attended by world leaders, dignitaries, and representatives from various nations. Trump expressed his enthusiasm for the occasion, praising French President Emmanuel Macron for his "wonderful job" in restoring Notre-Dame to its former glory. “This will be a very special day for all,” he stated in a recent message upon accepting the invitation to attend the event.
The Notre-Dame Cathedral, a symbol of Paris and a masterpiece of Gothic architecture, has undergone a meticulous five-year restoration process. The fire caused significant damage, collapsing its spire and threatening its structural integrity. The restoration effort involved thousands of skilled artisans and craftsmen dedicated to preserving the cathedral's historical and architectural significance.
In addition to attending the reopening ceremony, Trump is expected to meet with President Macron to discuss various pressing international issues. This meeting comes at a critical time as European leaders seek to maintain strong ties with the incoming U.S. administration amid ongoing geopolitical challenges, including support for Ukraine in its conflict with Russia.
Macron's office has emphasized that Trump's invitation was extended as president-elect of a "friendly nation," downplaying any exceptional significance of the event. Nonetheless, it marks an important moment for Franco-American relations, which have seen fluctuations during Trump's previous term.