Trump set to visit Paris for Notre Dame Cathedral reopening

“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, which has been fully restored after a devastating fire five years ago,” Trump wrote on Truth Social. This will be his first international trip since defeating Vice President Kamala Harris on Election Day.

Trump, 78, praised French President Emmanuel Macron for leading the efforts to restore the 12th-century landmark, heavily damaged by a fire on April 15, 2019.

“President Emmanuel Macron has done a wonderful job ensuring that Notre Dame has been restored to its full level of glory, and even more so,” Trump said. “It will be a very special day for all!”

Trump described the fire as “a terrible sight to behold” when it happened during his first term.

“The fire that they are having at the Notre Dame Cathedral is something like few people have witnessed,” he said at the time. “It is one of the great treasures of the world... greater than almost any museum in the world, and it’s burning very badly,” he added, calling the disaster “beyond countries.”

He also reflected on its significance, saying, “That is a part of our growing up... a part of our culture. It’s a part of our lives. That’s a truly great cathedral. I have been there, I have seen it. It’s a terrible scene.”

According to CNN, Trump’s transition team has reportedly been coordinating the visit with Macron’s office for days.

Macron, one of the first leaders to congratulate Trump on his 2024 win, tweeted: “Congratulations, President @realDonaldTrump. Ready to work together as we did for four years. With your convictions and mine. With respect and ambition. For more peace and prosperity.”