Trump travels to Paris for Notre Dame Cathedral's reopening celebration, to meet Emmanuel Macron
The Hindu
President-elect Trump joins world leaders in Paris for Notre Dame Cathedral celebration, despite strained relations with Macron.
Donald Trump is off on his first International trip as President-elect, ready to join World leaders and dignitaries in Paris for a Saturday (December 7, 2024) celebration of the renovation of Notre Dame Cathedral after a devastating fire in 2019.
Mr. Trump wrote when he accepted the invitation earlier this week that French President Emmanuel Macron had done "a 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!” Mr. Macron, who has had an up-and-down relationship with Mr. Trump, has made a point of cultivating a relationship with the President-elect since he defeated Vice-President Kamala Harris last month (November, 2024). But his office nonetheless played down the significance of the invitation, saying that other Politicians who do not currently hold office had been invited as well.
Mr. Trump was invited as President-elect of a “friendly Nation,” Mr. Macron's office said, adding, “This is in no way exceptional, we've done it before." President Joe Biden was invited as well but will not attend. White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre cited a scheduling conflict and said the United States would instead be represented by first lady Jill Biden.
Mr. Trump and the United States first lady last encountered one another shortly after the election, when he visited the White House for the traditional meeting between outgoing and incoming Presidents.
Mr. Trump's visit to France comes as Mr. Macron and other European Leaders are trying to cultivate the President-elect's favour and persuade him to maintain support for Ukraine in its defence against Russia's three-year invasion.
Ahead of the Notre Dame event, Mr. Macron will be meeting with Mr. Trump and then separately with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, the French President's office said.
Relations between France and the United States during Mr. Trump's first term began warmly enough but grew increasingly strained over time.
Denmark's recent election results leave Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen's future uncertain amid a fragmented parliamentary landscape.
An explosion at Valero's Port Arthur refinery caused a temporary shutdown but resulted in no reported injuries.
Anduril and Palantir Technologies are working together to develop software for U.S. President Donald Trump’s Golden Dome antimissile shield initiative, a source familiar with the matter said
A federal judge weighing the merits of the Pentagon’s designation of rising Silicon Valley star Anthropic as a security threat repeatedly questioned the government’s reasons for vilifying the company
When the conflict in West Asia, which began with the U.S. and Israel’s attack on Iran on February 28, escalated into a regional war, analysts said that the war would last as long as Iran had missiles or until the Gulf nations ran out of interceptors. However, with “emergency” military sales, piling monetary costs and a strained supply chain, is the U.S. becoming too constrained in its effort to keep the war going — both militarily and monetarily?
U.S.-Israel war on Iran LIVE: Follow The Hindu for updates on the West Asia conflict on March 25, 2026
Jair Bolsonaro to serve his sentence at home due to health issues, monitored by police, with a review in 90 days.
A New Mexico jury finds Meta liable for harming children's mental health, marking a significant shift in accountability for tech companies.
Modi and Dissanayake discuss energy cooperation, West Asia conflict, and global supply chain disruptions in a recent phone call.
Russia launches a massive drone and missile attack on Ukraine, signaling the potential beginning of a spring offensive.
U.S. official Elbridge Colby emphasizes India's vital role in the Indo-Pacific, highlighting mutual benefits despite existing differences.
Philippine President Marcos declares national energy emergency amid Middle East conflict, ensuring fuel and essential goods supply stability.
Mohammad Baqer Zolqadr appointed as Iran's new security chief, succeeding Ali Larijani after his assassination.