Trump to attend Notre Dame reopening as first foreign trip since election
Photo: Donald Trump (Getty Images)
US President-elect Donald Trump plans to visit the reopening of the Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris, which was under reconstruction following a fire five years ago. The visit to the French capital will mark his first foreign trip after winning the election, reports The New York Times.
The reopening of the reconstructed Notre-Dame Cathedral is set for Saturday, December 7.
Trump shared on his online platform, Truth Social, that it would be an honor for him to visit this magnificent and historic building.
He also praised French President Emmanuel Macron for the "wonderful job ensuring that Notre Dame has been restored to its full level of glory, and even more so."
“It will be a very special day for all!” Trump wrote.
According to people familiar with the trip's planning, Trump's team and Macron's office discussed the matter for several days.
One source from the US media also revealed that the leaders had at least one phone conversation.
Current US President Joe Biden is expected not to attend the reopening of Notre Dame. However, according to one "informed person," First Lady Jill Biden is expected to be present at the event.
According to CNN, Trump was invited by the French government to attend the reopening of Notre Dame.
Around 50 heads of state and government are expected to attend the ceremony this weekend, said Paris Police Chief Laurent Nuñez, according to the Associated Press.
Notre Dame fire
A major fire broke out at Notre Dame Cathedral in April 2019. An electrical issue likely caused the fire.
Firefighters fought the blaze for 14 hours, severely damaging the historic building.
French President Emmanuel Macron had stated that the cathedral would be restored within five years.
The Notre Dame Cathedral, also known as Notre Dame de Paris, is a Catholic church located in the center of Paris and one of the symbols of the French capital. It serves as the cathedral of the Archdiocese of Paris. The Gothic cathedral was built at the initiative of Parisian bishop Maurice de Sully between 1163 and 1345.
