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President-elect Donald Trump announced plans on Monday to travel to Paris this weekend for the grand reopening of the Notre Dame Cathedral, a monumental event marking the restoration of the iconic French landmark after a devastating fire nearly five years ago.
Trump shared the news on Truth Social, saying, “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 the tragic fire that ravaged it five years ago.”
The trip will be Trump’s first international journey since his decisive victory over Vice President Kamala Harris in the 2024 election. It also highlights his strong support for global landmarks and the preservation of cultural heritage. Trump commended French President Emmanuel Macron for his leadership in overseeing the restoration of the 12th-century cathedral, which was severely damaged by fire on April 15, 2019.
“President Emmanuel Macron has done a tremendous job ensuring that Notre Dame is restored to its full glory, and even beyond,” Trump said. “It will be a very special day for everyone who cares about preserving history.”
The fire, which caused extensive damage to the 861-year-old cathedral, was a devastating sight, particularly for those who value Western civilization and cultural landmarks. Trump, who witnessed the tragedy during his first term in office, described the scene as heart-wrenching. “The fire at Notre Dame Cathedral is something few could ever imagine,” he said at the time. “It’s one of the world’s great treasures. The artists, the history, it’s truly greater than almost any museum in the world.”
Trump’s remarks were a clear expression of his deep respect for cultural landmarks and their role in shaping our shared history. He also emphasized the global significance of the tragedy, noting, “This isn’t just a loss for France; it’s a loss for all of humanity.”
In the days leading up to the visit, Trump’s transition team has been in talks with Macron’s office, solidifying plans for the visit. Macron, who was one of the first foreign leaders to congratulate Trump on his 2024 election win, has continued to offer support. In a tweet, he remarked, “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.”
This visit to Paris will follow a meeting between Trump and Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau at Mar-a-Lago last week, marking an ongoing diplomatic effort by the incoming president to strengthen international ties and reaffirm his leadership on the global stage.