Trump in Paris for reopening of Notre Dame Cathedral, meets with Macron and Zelenskyy

President-elect Donald Trump arrived in Paris on Saturday to attend the grand reopening of the historic Notre Dame Cathedral, five years after a catastrophic fire nearly destroyed the iconic structure. This marked Trump’s first international trip since reclaiming the presidency, underscoring the global importance of this symbolic event.

In a day that blended ceremony with pressing diplomatic engagements, Trump received a warm and meticulously planned welcome from French President Emmanuel Macron. The pair exchanged pleasantries outside the Elysee Palace, where Macron emphasized their shared history with multiple handshakes and back-patting. Trump, expressing his gratitude, called their relationship “great” and noted, “It’s a great honor to be here.”

“It certainly seems like the world is going a little crazy right now,” Trump said, hinting at the complexity of global challenges during a brief comment before entering the palace.

Trump’s visit carried additional significance as European leaders, including Macron, sought to ensure continued U.S. support for Ukraine amidst its ongoing conflict with Russia. Shortly after Trump’s arrival, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy joined him and Macron in a meeting at the cathedral. The tri-lateral discussions, arranged on short notice, underscored the urgency of global stability and security concerns. However, details of the conversation remained undisclosed.

At Notre Dame, Trump was given a seat of prominence during the reopening ceremony, positioned between Macron and Zelenskyy. The cathedral’s restoration, spearheaded by Macron’s ambitious five-year promise, served as a backdrop for the event. In an earlier statement, Trump praised Macron’s dedication, saying, “President Macron has done a wonderful job ensuring that Notre Dame has been restored to its full level of glory, and even more so.”

The fire that engulfed Notre Dame on April 15, 2019, shocked the world, causing extensive damage to the 1,200-year-old structure. Experts initially estimated a 40-year timeline for restoration, but Macron’s swift action defied expectations. Reflecting on the achievement, Macron told CBS’s 60 Minutes, “The decision to rebuild Notre Dame was about our capacity to save, restore, sometimes reinvent what we are by preserving where we come from. This is a message of achievement.”

During the event, Trump also had a brief but notable interaction with Britain’s Prince William at the British ambassador’s residence in Paris. The two exchanged compliments, with Trump remarking, “Good man, this one,” while later telling reporters that the Prince of Wales was doing “a fantastic job.”

While the ceremony celebrated unity, it also highlighted the complexities of U.S.-France relations. Trump’s first term saw fluctuating ties with Macron—initially warm but later strained due to disagreements on issues like NATO’s relevance and trade policies. Nevertheless, Macron was among the first to congratulate Trump on his recent electoral victory, signaling a desire to mend past tensions.

Adding to the intrigue of the trip, Trump announced plans to nominate his son-in-law Jared Kushner’s father, Charles Kushner, as the next U.S. ambassador to France. The move raised eyebrows, given the prestige of the role, once held by historical figures like Benjamin Franklin and Thomas Jefferson.

Despite President Biden’s absence—cited as a scheduling conflict by the White House—First Lady Jill Biden represented the United States at the event. This ensured continued high-level American presence at a moment rich in cultural and political symbolism.

As world leaders departed the cathedral, the day’s events left an undeniable impression: Notre Dame’s restoration served as a powerful metaphor for resilience, while the gathering underscored the intricate dynamics of modern diplomacy. Trump’s presence in Paris, coupled with his interactions with key figures like Macron and Zelenskyy, hinted at the global stage’s shifting balance as he prepares to step back into the Oval Office.