Donald Trump plans to visit Notre Dame’s reopening in Paris this week, his first trip abroad since his re-election. The 12th-century Gothic cathedral masterpiece, which was severely damaged by a fire in 2019, will welcome visitors after a five-year restoration effort.
Trump confirmed his attendance, praising French President Emmanuel Macron’s efforts to restore Notre Dame. “It will be a very special day for all! “Trump posted on social media. The visit emphasizes Trump’s long-held fascination with the cathedral, which he expressed during the 2019 fire by suggesting “flying water tankers” to extinguish the flames.
The reopening ceremony will draw over 50 global leaders, with French officials comparing the restoration to healing a “national wound.” Philippe Jost, who is leading the restoration, revealed that the five-year project involved 250 companies and almost cost 700 million euros. Additional donations totaling 140 million euros will fund future preservation efforts.
The invite came from Macron, who was among the first leaders to congratulate Trump on his election win. Since their work during Trump’s first term, their relationship, which has been characterized as a “bromance,” has developed further. Their diplomatic relationship was further cemented by Macron’s invitation to a meeting on artificial intelligence in February.
Trump’s Paris visit comes days after meeting Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau in Florida. Meanwhile, Trump recently named Charles Kushner as ambassador to France, continuing to shape his administration. Donald Trump plans to visit Notre Dame’s reopening, which exemplifies global unity with his presence, signaling renewed US-France collaboration.
