Donald Trump announced he will travel to Paris for his first overseas trip as US president-elect. The visit marks the reopening of the historic Notre Dame Cathedral, which suffered severe damage during a devastating fire in 2019.
Announcement for Notre Dame
Trump shared the news on Truth Social, expressing his excitement about attending the event. He stated, “It is an honor to announce that I will be traveling to Paris, France, on Saturday to attend the re-opening of the Magnificent and Historic Notre Dame Cathedral.”
The cathedral, restored over the last five years, will officially reopen this weekend to visitors and worshippers. Dozens of world leaders are expected to join the celebrations, making it a highly anticipated event.
Macron’s Vision for Notre Dame
French President Emmanuel Macron, who set a five-year goal for the restoration, inspected the work on Friday. He praised the workers, stating they had achieved “the impossible” by healing what he called a “national wound.” Macron’s determination to see the cathedral restored became a symbol of hope and resilience.
Trump commended Macron’s leadership, saying the restoration brought Notre Dame back to “its full level of glory, and even more so.” The project involved 250 companies and hundreds of experts, demonstrating international cooperation.
The restoration cost nearly €700 million (over $750 million), funded by €846 million in donations from 150 countries. This incredible global solidarity ensured the iconic landmark could be rebuilt with precision and care.
Pope Francis, however, will not attend the reopening despite Macron’s invitation. The pontiff announced in September that he would visit Corsica the following weekend instead. Many observers found his decision surprising given the cathedral’s religious significance.
Trump and Macron’s History
Trump’s relationship with Macron has seen ups and downs over the years. Initially friendly when both leaders took office, tensions grew due to differing policies. During the 2019 fire, Trump suggested using water bombers to extinguish the flames, a comment that French fire services criticized.
The reopening of Notre Dame represents a moment of global unity, cultural significance, and triumph over adversity. It will also highlight the enduring importance of one of the world’s most cherished landmarks.
