Trump to attend Notre Dame's reopening in Paris on first overseas trip

Trump's first overseas trip since winning elections will mark event celebrating completion of cathedral’s restoration.

US president-elect Donald Trump will travel to Paris this weekend to attend the grand reopening of the historic Notre Dame Cathedral, marking his first overseas trip since winning the election.

The event will celebrate the completion of the cathedral’s restoration, following the devastating fire in 2019 that caused extensive damage, including the collapse of its iconic spire.

The ceremony, set for Saturday and Sunday, is expected to attract around 50 heads of state and government, with heightened security around the event.

Trump made the announcement on his Truth Social platform, expressing his honor to attend the reopening and praising French President Emmanuel Macron for overseeing the restoration of Notre Dame.

“It’s an honor to announce that I will be traveling to Paris, France, on Saturday to attend the reopening of the magnificent and historic Notre Dame Cathedral, which has been fully restored after a devastating fire five years ago,” Trump wrote. “President Macron has done a wonderful job ensuring that Notre Dame has been restored to its full glory.”

The fire in 2019 threatened one of the world’s most famous landmarks, known for its remarkable stained glass windows and intricate architecture

At the time, Trump, who was president, offered suggestions on how to tackle the blaze, including the use of water tankers.

French officials responded, clarifying that water-bombing aircraft could damage the cathedral's structure.

In addition to the historical significance of the reopening, the weekend will include a series of cultural events. On Saturday, Paris Archbishop Laurent Ulrich will lead a service to mark the cathedral's reopening, ceremoniously banging on the cathedral’s doors to open them.

Following the service, a star-studded concert will feature performances by international artists, including opera singers Pretty Yende and Julie Fuchs, pianist Lang Lang, and cellist Yo-Yo Ma.

On Sunday, an inaugural Mass will be held, along with the consecration of the cathedral’s new altar. A public viewing area will be set up along the Seine River for up to 40,000 spectators, as the Île de la Cité, where the cathedral is located, will be closed to tourists during the events.

Trump’s trip to Paris also comes amid ongoing discussions with European leaders, including Macron, who has been a key diplomatic counterpart for the US president during his term.

Trump recently announced plans to nominate real estate developer Charles Kushner, father-in-law of Jared Kushner, to serve as ambassador to France.