WASHINGTON/PARIS – US President-elect Donald Trump made a high-profile return to international diplomacy on Dec 7, attending the reopening of the Notre-Dame Cathedral in Paris alongside world leaders. Though still a private citizen, Trump’s presence signals his preparation to tackle pressing global crises ahead of his January 20 inauguration.
This marked Trump’s first overseas trip since winning the US presidential election a month ago. French President Emmanuel Macron seized the occasion to renew his role as a bridge-builder between Europe and the unpredictable leader. Macron and Trump were expected to meet on the sidelines, with discussions likely centering on US military aid to Ukraine, a critical concern for European allies.
Macron has strongly supported NATO and Ukraine, while Trump has pushed for increased European defense spending and a negotiated settlement in the Ukraine war. Heather Conley, senior adviser at the German Marshall Fund, noted Macron’s personalized diplomacy, recalling his efforts to appeal to Trump’s love of grandeur during his first term.
Trump joined dignitaries at the ceremony marking Notre-Dame’s reopening, five years after a devastating fire. His attendance underscored parallels between the cathedral’s restoration and his political resurgence after defeating Kamala Harris to reclaim the presidency.
While Trump’s national security team has initiated discussions on issues like Ukraine and the Middle East, Biden’s administration faces dwindling influence. Observers anticipate potential clashes between Trump and European leaders over tariffs and geopolitical strategies, but Macron’s invitation reflects his strategy of direct engagement with Trump, described by former ambassador Gérard Araud as “indispensable.”
The event offered Trump an opportunity to project statesmanship on a global stage, signaling his readiness to reassert US influence while highlighting the intricate dynamics of his renewed presence in world affairs.