Donald Trump embarks on his first international trip as president-elect, set to join world leaders and dignitaries in Paris for Saturday’s celebration of the renovation of Notre Dame Cathedral after a devastating fire in 2019.
When Trump accepted the invitation earlier this week, he wrote that French President Emmanuel Macron had “done a wonderful job ensuring Notre Dame is restored to its full level of glory.” It will be a very special day for everyone! “
Macron, who has had an up-and-down relationship with Trump since defeating Vice President Kamala Harris last month, has made it a point to cultivate a relationship with the president-elect. But his office downplayed the importance of the invitation and said other politicians who are no longer in office were also invited.
Trump was invited as the president-elect of a “friendly nation,” Macron’s office said, adding, “This is in no way unusual, we have done it before.”
President Joe Biden was also invited but will not be attending. White House press secretary Karin Jean-Pierre said first lady Jill Biden would represent the US instead, citing a scheduling conflict.
Trump and the US first lady last met each other shortly after the election, when she visited the White House for the traditional meeting between the outgoing and incoming presidents.
Trump’s visit to France comes as Macron and other European leaders seek to cultivate the president-elect’s favor and persuade Ukraine to maintain support for its defense against Russia’s three-year offensive.
in front The Notre Dame incidentTrump will meet with Macron and Britain’s Prince William – who will also meet with Jill Biden, according to the British royal palace.
Macron will meet separately with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky on Saturday. It is unclear whether Trump will also meet with Zelensky. Trump has promised an immediate end to the war in Ukraine but has not specified how, raising concerns in Kiev about what conditions could be set for any future talks.
In an effort to build trust with the incoming US administration, Zelensky’s top aide Andriy Yermak met with key members of Trump’s team on a two-day visit earlier this week. A senior Ukrainian official, who spoke on condition of anonymity because he was not authorized to speak publicly, described the meetings as productive, but declined to divulge details.
Relations between France and the US started off warm during Trump’s first term, but tensions grew over time.
Macron was a guest at Trump’s first state dinner and Trump has visited France several times. But relations suffered after Macron criticized Trump for questioning the need for NATO and casting doubt on America’s commitment to a mutual defense pact.
On the campaign trail this year, Trump often mocked Macron, mimicking his accent and threatening to impose heavy tariffs on bottles of wine and champagne shipped to the U.S. if France tried to tax American companies.
But Macron was the first world leader to congratulate Trump after the election last month.
“Congratulations, President @realDonaldTrump,” Macron posted on X. “We are ready to work together for four years. With your faith and mine. With respect and ambition. For more peace and prosperity.”
Trump was president in 2019 when a massive fire engulfed Notre Dame, destroying its spire and threatening to destroy one of the world’s greatest architectural treasures, known for its mesmerizing stained glass.
“The massive fire at Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris is very scary to watch,” he wrote on Twitter, giving his advice to the city.
“Perhaps flying water tankers can be used to keep it out. Action must be taken soon!” He wrote.
The French authorities responded immediately, saying that “all means” were being used to extinguish the fire, “except for water-bombing planes, which, if used, could cause the collapse of the whole structure of the cathedral.”
Last weekend, Trump announced that he intended to nominate real estate developer Charles Kushner, the father of his son-in-law, Jared Kushner, to serve as ambassador to France. Predecessors in that prestigious role include Benjamin Franklin and Thomas Jefferson.