Trump heads to Paris: Notre-Dame ceremony brings unexpected political twist
Former US president makes his first foreign trip since winning November election to attend Notre-Dame Cathedral reopening. French leader Macron prepares for key talks about Ukraine and European relations
Donald Trump landed at Paris-Orly airport early saturday morning heading straight to the US Embassy (which sits near the French presidential palace)
The ex-president whose November victory shocked many is making his first over-seas trip to join world leaders at Notre-Dames grand re-opening. The iconic cathedral — damaged by a devastating fire about 5 years ago — now serves as a back-drop for this high-stakes diplomatic gathering
Emmanuel Macron plans to meet Trump at the Elysee Palace: their relationship has seen its ups-and-downs since their first meeting in 2017. The French leader known for his diplomatic skills hopes to address European defense spending and the on-going Ukraine situation
- Previous Trump-Macron meetings included a grand Bastille Day parade
- A fancy White House dinner marked their good times
- Their later talks got harder due to trade and NATO disagreements
The visit brings together dozens of global figures including Prince William of Britain. While Jill Biden represents the current US administration Trump — still a private citizen until his january inauguration — uses this chance to step back onto the world-stage
His team is already working on international issues: his security adviser Mike Waltz and Ukraine expert Keith Kellogg met with Ukrainian representative Andriy Yermak just days ago. European leaders dont hide their worry about possible changes in US support for Ukraine
The timing of this Paris trip carries extra meaning — both Notre-Dame and Trumps political career show signs of comeback. Yet questions remain about future US-European relations trade policies and defense spending
