President-elect Donald J. Trump is set to travel to France on Saturday for the reopening of Notre-Dame Cathedral, marking his first foreign trip since last month’s election. The visit comes as global leaders are shifting their focus away from the Biden presidency.
Trump announced the trip on his social media platform, Truth Social, calling it an honor to visit the historic building and praising French President Emmanuel Macron for his restoration efforts. The two have had a phone conversation and Trump’s team has confirmed that Dr. Jill Biden will attend the event.
The trip is a significant move by Trump, who has rarely left his private club and home in Palm Beach since winning re-election. It also marks a return to international diplomacy after a tumultuous relationship with European allies, particularly Macron.
Macron had initially flattered Trump during his first term as president but their relationship soured over France’s plans for a European military defense. The visit is seen as an opportunity for Trump to reconnect with the French leader and show his support for Macron amid domestic turmoil in France.
Source: https://www.nytimes.com/2024/12/02/us/politics/trump-notre-dame-cathedral-paris.html