Transition of power
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President Trump is planning to visit Paris for the reopening of Notre-Dame Cathedral, marking his first international trip since the recent election. This event signifies a shift in focus from the previous Biden administration to the current global leadership.
Written by Maggie Haberman
Experienced journalist covering
Donald J. Trump, who will soon be inaugurated as President, is planning a trip to France this Saturday to attend the reopening of the iconic Notre-Dame Cathedral, which suffered a devastating fire five years ago. This visit marks his first international trip since winning the election last month and signifies the swift transition to a new era post-Biden administration for world leaders.
President Trump shared his upcoming visit to the Notre Dame Cathedral on his social media platform, Truth Social, expressing his excitement and gratitude for the opportunity. He praised President Macron for overseeing the successful restoration of the iconic building to its former glory.
"It will be a day filled with significance for everyone!" he penned.
The trip has been planned for a few days, as per individuals who were informed about the arrangements. Mr. Trump and Mr. Macron have spoken on the phone at least once, as mentioned by one of the sources.
It is anticipated that President Biden will not be present at the reopening event. However, Dr. Jill Biden, the first lady, is expected to attend, as shared by one of the individuals who received the briefing.
Since winning a second term by defeating Vice President Kamala Harris, who took over President Biden’s spot on the Democratic ticket, Mr. Trump has seldom ventured outside of Mar-a-Lago, his personal club and residence in Palm Beach, Florida.
The announcement of the trip was somewhat expected. Mr. Trump enjoys participating in events with pomp and grandeur, especially when it involves construction sites with historical significance. This trip also signifies his reentry onto the global platform.
However, this is also the most recent development in a complicated relationship with European partners, especially with Mr. Macron.
The President of France, who is dealing with unrest within his own country due to opposition from both the far-right and far-left, praised President Trump at the beginning of his time in office. Macron extended an invitation to Trump to join in France’s Bastille Day festivities in Paris in 2017, and Trump accepted enthusiastically.
The relationship between Macron and Trump became strained in 2018 when Macron supported the concept of a European military defense that could rival Russia, China, and the United States. This clashed with Trump’s nationalist views, especially as far-right populists aligned with Trump were gaining popularity in France and other parts of Europe.
In August 2022, the FBI conducted a search at Mar-a-Lago for undisclosed classified documents, and some of the information seized by federal agents was connected to Mr. Macron.
Maggie Haberman is a seasoned journalist who covers the 2024 presidential campaign, as well as other political races and investigations related to former President Donald J. Trump. She is highly experienced in political reporting.
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