Sat Dec 07 07:47:26 UTC 2024: ## Trump Attends Notre Dame Reopening, Amidst Efforts to Mend Ties with France
**Paris, France** – President-elect Donald Trump is in Paris attending the reopening ceremony of Notre Dame Cathedral, marking his first international trip since winning the November 2024 election. The visit comes as French President Emmanuel Macron seeks to cultivate a strong relationship with the incoming U.S. administration, particularly regarding continued support for Ukraine in its ongoing conflict with Russia.
While Mr. Macron’s office downplayed the significance of the invitation, stating that other non-office-holding politicians were also invited, the event represents a key moment in the evolving relationship between the two nations. The invitation follows a complex history, with initially warm relations between Mr. Trump and Mr. Macron souring over disagreements on NATO and trade. During his 2024 campaign, Mr. Trump even mocked Mr. Macron and threatened tariffs on French wine.
Despite this past tension, Mr. Macron was among the first world leaders to congratulate Mr. Trump on his election victory. He expressed his hope for continued collaboration between the two countries. This weekend, Mr. Macron will hold separate meetings with Mr. Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy before the Notre Dame ceremony.
The U.S. will be represented at the ceremony by First Lady Jill Biden, as President Joe Biden cited a scheduling conflict. Mr. Trump’s visit also comes as he announced his intent to nominate Charles Kushner, father of his son-in-law, as the next U.S. Ambassador to France. The reopening of Notre Dame, significantly damaged by a 2019 fire, provides a symbolic backdrop for these important diplomatic discussions.
First Piper 