Staff Reports
The magnificent Notre-Dame de Paris, a symbol of France’s rich Catholic heritage, is set to reopen its doors on December 8, showcasing the results of extensive restoration efforts following the tragic fire in April 2019. Making waves in both America and Europe, President-elect Donald Trump is gearing up to be part of this historic moment. Trump announced his attendance via his favored platform, Truth Social, giving everyone a heads-up that his return to Paris comes with some serious fanfare.
In typical Trump fashion, he didn’t hold back his praise for French President Emmanuel Macron, crediting him with restoring Notre-Dame to its former glory and even more. Trump’s presence marks not just a celebratory occasion for the restored cathedral but also serves as a reminder that under his leadership, connections with global allies remain strong. It’s refreshing to see a leader appreciate the cultural significance of such landmarks, particularly during an era when others might overlook their importance in favor of more divisive political pursuits.
President-elect Donald Trump says he plans to travel to Paris this weekend to attend the reopening of the Notre Dame Cathedral in what would be his first trip abroad since the November election. pic.twitter.com/3F3bLtMaIj
— Mary❀🇺🇸 (@Ary19Camille) December 3, 2024
Interestingly, Trump’s trip is his first international jaunt since winning the election last month, proving that he’s not only back in the political limelight but also embracing opportunities for diplomatic engagement. CNN mentions that Trump’s team has spent the better part of the week coordinating this visit with Macron’s office, highlighting a clear contrast to how some leaders prefer to interact solely via Zoom calls or sterile video messages.
The former First Lady, Melania Trump, who comes from a Catholic background, will likely be accompanying her husband, reaffirming their cultural and spiritual commitments. This isn’t the first time Trump has put Catholics at the forefront; polls consistently show that he’s winning over this demographic, which is quite the feat considering the supposed “devout” leadership from the other side mysteriously failed to gain their favor in 2020. It seems that voters are starting to notice who really has their interests at heart.
Adding fuel to the fire, Trump’s affinity for Catholic celebrations and feasts—like All Saints’ Day and the Blessed Virgin Mary’s birthday—reveals his genuine connection to a community often sidelined by contemporary politics. He’s even cultivated a dedicated “Catholics for Trump” coalition, which played a pivotal role in the 2024 campaign. This coalition underscores the growing discontent among religious groups toward the Biden-Harris administration, particularly when it comes to protecting religious freedoms.
On the same day the plan for his Notre-Dame visit was announced, Trump also took to social media to call out Hamas for their actions in Gaza. He’s making it clear that his administration will not tolerate hostage situations and has set a deadline that promises consequences should these actions continue unchecked. With Trump back in the international scene, Americans can be assured that America will again stand firmly for its allies and values under his leadership.
