Trump takes first foreign trip following election
President-elect Donald Trump is set to make his first foreign trip following his election victory last month to France, where he will celebrate the re-opening of the famed Notre Dame Cathedral. The cathedral, which was devastated by a fire in 2019, has undergone a 700-million-euro restoration project funded by donations from 150 countries. The restoration involved the use of carpentry methods dating back to the 13th century.
Trump announced his plans to attend the celebratory re-opening on his social media app Truth Social, and sources familiar with his plans confirmed that he was invited by French President Emmanuel Macron. The invite-only festivities are set to begin on Saturday afternoon, with around 50 heads of state expected to be in attendance. President Joe Biden will not be attending, but first lady Jill Biden will be present.
Paris police chief Laurent Nuñez stated that security measures for the event will be tight and will mirror those deployed during the Paris Olympics. Macron and Trump have a history of a somewhat tumultuous relationship, with the French president being the first foreign leader to congratulate Trump after his election win. Despite their differences, Macron has shown a level of deference towards Trump that other NATO leaders have not.
Trump’s skepticism of NATO and his push for other countries to contribute more to defense efforts have been points of contention with other global leaders. However, as Trump enters his second term, world leaders seem to be recognizing the importance of maintaining a good relationship with him. Just last week, Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau visited Trump’s Florida resort after the president-elect threatened to impose tariffs on Canadian products.
The timing of Trump’s visit to France coincides with Macron’s efforts to stabilize a government in turmoil following the ousting of his prime minister through a no-confidence vote. Macron is facing increasing demands for his own resignation, and the visit from Trump could potentially provide a strategic opportunity for the French president to strengthen his position.
Overall, Trump’s attendance at the Notre Dame Cathedral re-opening signifies a significant moment in international diplomacy, as world leaders come together to celebrate the restoration of a historic landmark. The event also highlights the importance of maintaining strong relationships between nations, even amidst political differences.
