The reopening of the historic Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris was marked by the attendance of U.S. President-elect Donald Trump, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, and French President Emmanuel Macron. The event was a symbolic occasion celebrating the restoration of the Gothic landmark, which had been heavily damaged in a 2019 fire.
Trump and Zelensky joined approximately 50 other heads of state in the ceremony presided over by the Archbishop of Paris. First Lady Jill Biden represented the United States, while Britain’s Prince William attended in place of his father, King Charles III, who is undergoing cancer treatment.
Trump and Macron held a meeting at the Elysee Palace before the ceremony, revisiting their prior relationship from Trump’s first term. Macron emphasized the strong ties between the two leaders, recalling past collaboration and expressing gratitude for Trump’s immediate solidarity during the aftermath of the Notre Dame fire.
Trump reciprocated the sentiment, praising the people of France and affirming their importance in the U.S. The meeting marked Trump’s first international visit since his recent election victory, signaling a renewed engagement with global leaders.
Donald Trump
The presence of Zelensky at the event added significance, given ongoing geopolitical tensions in Ukraine. While no formal discussions between Trump and Zelensky were immediately confirmed, the event offered a high-profile platform for potential interactions. Zelensky has previously expressed optimism that Trump’s presidency could expedite an end to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, which began in 2022. This backdrop of international conflict underscored the wider implications of the gathering.
Notre Dame’s restoration, a monumental project promised by Macron to be completed within five years, stands as a testament to resilience and cultural heritage. The reopening event highlighted the global importance of the cathedral, attracting leaders from around the world. Macron hailed the restoration as a unifying achievement, underscoring the shared commitment to preserving history and fostering international solidarity.
The reopening of Notre Dame served as a convergence of history, diplomacy, and cultural celebration. The event provided a moment to honor the resilience of the iconic landmark while offering opportunities for leaders to engage amidst pressing global challenges. Trump’s participation underscored his re-emergence on the world stage, while Zelensky’s presence highlighted ongoing concerns about the war in Ukraine, making the ceremony both a celebration and a forum for international dialogue.
