Trump's Paris Comeback
President-elect Donald Trump reemerged on the international scene Saturday as he joined global leaders for the reopening of Notre-Dame Cathedral in Paris. Although still a private citizen, Trump is already preparing to address pressing global challenges.
This marks Trump’s first overseas trip since his election victory a month ago. The visit provides French President Emmanuel Macron an opportunity to reprise his role as a mediator between Europe and the often-unpredictable Trump—a role Macron embraced during Trump’s previous tenure.
According to French media, Trump arrived at Paris Orly Airport early Saturday, then traveled to the U.S. Embassy near the Élysée Palace. He is expected to meet Macron during the visit, although no official agenda for their discussions has been released. European leaders are particularly concerned about Trump’s potential stance on U.S. military aid to Ukraine, a critical issue as the country continues its defense against Russian aggression.
Macron, a staunch supporter of NATO and Ukraine, is likely to advocate for continued aid, while Trump has previously criticized European nations for underfunding their own defense efforts and has expressed interest in negotiating an end to the conflict.
“President Macron is employing his personalized diplomatic strategy, which yielded mixed results during Trump’s first term,” said Heather Conley, a senior adviser at the German Marshall Fund. “Macron understands Trump’s appreciation for statecraft spectacle and has tailored this visit accordingly.”
A Symbolic Occasion
Trump will join numerous dignitaries at the ceremony marking Notre-Dame’s reopening, nearly six years after the cathedral was severely damaged by fire. During his trip, he is also set to meet Britain’s Prince William, though meetings with other leaders remain unconfirmed.
While Trump’s presidency officially begins on January 20, he and his team are actively engaging with international leaders. Speculation about a potential meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has grown following recent talks in Washington between Trump’s advisors and Ukrainian officials. Macron is scheduled to meet Trump at the Élysée Palace at 3:00 PM GMT, followed by a separate meeting with Zelensky, though it remains unclear if all three leaders will convene together.
Trump’s return to Paris is steeped in symbolism. He was president when Notre-Dame burned in 2019, and his resurgence on the global stage parallels the cathedral’s restoration. “This event signals both Trump’s and Notre-Dame’s return, diminishing the closing days of the Biden administration,” Conley remarked.
Diplomatic Dynamics
Observers are keenly watching the interactions between Trump and Macron. The two leaders share a complex history of cooperation and conflict. Macron previously hosted Trump at the Bastille Day military parade in 2017, an event that inspired Trump to organize his own July 4th celebration in Washington. However, their relationship soured over issues like NATO, climate policies, and trade.
Gerard Araud, France’s former ambassador to the U.S., described Trump’s visit as a diplomatic coup for Macron. “Maintaining a direct relationship with Trump, who remains the pivotal figure in his administration, is essential,” Araud said.
Despite past disagreements, Macron has often adopted a pragmatic approach toward Trump, hoping engagement could yield concessions. However, lingering policy disputes, including Trump’s push for tariffs on European goods and differing views on the Ukraine-Russia conflict, are likely to spark future tensions.
As Trump prepares to return to the presidency, his presence at Notre-Dame positions him prominently alongside global leaders, marking a significant moment in his reentry onto the world stage.
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