Trump Paris visit/ Macron Trump meeting/ Notre Dame reopening/ U.S.-France relations/ diplomatic talks/ Ukraine war/ PARIS/ Newslooks/ J. Mansour/ Morning Edition/ President-elect Donald Trump received a red-carpet welcome from French President Emmanuel Macron in Paris on Saturday ahead of Notre Dame Cathedral’s reopening ceremony. The two leaders met one-on-one to discuss global challenges, including the wars in Ukraine and the Middle East. The event, a display of diplomatic charm, underscores Macron’s efforts to build ties with Trump as he prepares to take office.
Trump and Macron Reunite in Paris: Quick Looks
- Warm Welcome: Macron greets Trump with grand gestures, highlighting their evolving relationship.
- Notre Dame Ceremony: Trump attends the reopening of the iconic cathedral after its 2019 fire.
- Global Discussions: Talks focus on Ukraine, Middle East conflicts, and restoring U.S.-Europe relations.
- Pomp and Security: Enhanced protections and ceremonial displays reflect the event’s global significance.
- Diplomatic Efforts: Macron and European leaders seek to influence Trump’s foreign policy priorities.
Macron Welcomes Trump with Presidential Pomp in Paris
Deep Look
A Grand Parisian Welcome
Donald Trump, poised to reclaim the presidency in January, was greeted by French President Emmanuel Macron with full ceremonial honors upon arriving in Paris. The red-carpet treatment at the Élysée Palace, featuring handshakes and back-patting, marked the resumption of a relationship that was both strategic and contentious during Trump’s first term.
Trump praised Macron for overseeing the restoration of Notre Dame Cathedral, calling the reopening “a very special day for all.” The 861-year-old landmark, nearly destroyed by fire in 2019, has been restored in a remarkable five years.
Diplomatic Talks Before the Ceremony
Ahead of the Notre Dame event, Trump and Macron met privately to discuss pressing global issues. These included the war in Ukraine and escalating conflicts in the Middle East. Macron also planned a separate meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, leaving questions about whether Trump and Zelenskyy would also convene.
Trump has pledged to end the Ukraine war swiftly but has not detailed his approach, raising concerns among Kyiv officials about potential concessions to Russia. Ukrainian aides have already engaged Trump’s team in preliminary talks to establish trust.
Strengthening Ties Amid Challenges
Macron’s warm reception of Trump reflects Europe’s urgency to align with the incoming administration. European leaders are keen to ensure Trump’s continued support for NATO and Ukraine while addressing shared concerns over global instability.
While the two leaders once shared cordial ties, their relationship soured during Trump’s first term. Macron openly criticized Trump’s questioning of NATO’s relevance and his trade policies. On the campaign trail, Trump mocked Macron, threatening tariffs on French goods in retaliation for proposed taxes on U.S. tech companies.
Despite these past tensions, Macron was among the first leaders to congratulate Trump on his election victory last month, signaling a willingness to rebuild relations.
Notre Dame: A Symbol of Resilience
Saturday’s ceremony celebrated the reopening of Notre Dame Cathedral, a symbol of French cultural heritage and resilience. Trump’s presence added significance to the event, as he was president when the 2019 fire engulfed the landmark.
At the time, Trump famously suggested using flying water tankers to extinguish the flames—a proposal dismissed by French officials as impractical. Nonetheless, Trump described the restoration as a testament to Macron’s leadership, praising the achievement in bringing Notre Dame back to its former glory.
Tight Security for a Global Event
Paris implemented heightened security measures for Trump’s visit and the Notre Dame reopening. French and U.S. agents coordinated efforts, with anti-drone units deployed to protect Trump’s convoy. The Île de la Cité, home to the cathedral, was closed to tourists, while barricades and military patrols secured the surrounding area.
Building Diplomatic Momentum
The visit also served as an opportunity for Trump to showcase his commitment to strengthening transatlantic ties, signaling potential shifts in U.S.-Europe relations during his upcoming presidency.
You must Register or Login to post a comment.