Donald Trump, a special guest at Notre-Dame de Paris
This weekend, the French capital will welcome a distinguished visitor: Donald Trump. Freshly re-elected President of the United States, he will be in Paris to attend the reopening ceremony of the legendary Notre-Dame Cathedral, marking a historic moment for world heritage.
The long-awaited reopening of Notre-Dame de Paris
Since the devastating fire ofApril 2019, Notre-Dame de Paris has been at the center of an immense rebuilding campaign, mobilizing craftsmen, engineers and donations from all over the world. This weekend, after nearly five years of intensive work, the iconic cathedral finally reopens its doors to the public.
The reopening ceremony will be marked by a religious celebration attended by numerous political, cultural and international personalities. Among them, the arrival of Donald Trump, now President-elect of the United States for a new term, is sure to be the talk of the town.
Why Donald Trump in Paris?
The former American president, about to return to the White House, is known for his keen interest in architecture and great historic monuments. During his first term, he expressed his emotion at the burning of Notre-Dame, declaring that the event had touched the heart of humanity. His visit to Paris is therefore a logical extension of his admiration for this unique UNESCO World Heritage site.
According to sources close to the organization, Donald Trump was invited as a representative of international donors. The former president is said to have helped raise funds for the restoration of the site, a gesture that reflects his desire to maintain special relations with France and its heritage.
A visit surrounded by controversy
Donald Trump’s visit to Paris, as he prepares to become President of the United States once again, is unsurprisingly provoking debate. His often controversial stances on issues such as the environment and diplomacy contrast with the universal spirit of Notre-Dame.
Demonstrations are likely to take place in the streets of the capital, with some associations denouncing what they see as the political recuperation of this symbolic event. However, others see it as a diplomatic opportunity, marking the start of a new era in Franco-American relations.
A weekend under tight security
With such a high-profile figure as Donald Trump, combined with the scale of the event, the mobilization of the forces of law and order will be exceptional. The Vigipirate plan will be reinforced around the cathedral and in several Paris neighborhoods. Residents and tourists are advised to anticipate traffic disruptions, particularly around the Île de la Cité.
The importance of this event for Paris and for Donald Trump
Donald Trump, freshly re-elected, adds a political and diplomatic dimension to this cultural event. And for those not lucky enough to be there, the magic of Notre-Dame will continue to inspire hearts across the centuries and continents.
Beyond the presence of Donald Trump, the reopening of Notre-Dame de Paris marks a historic moment for the capital and the whole world. The cathedral, a veritable masterpiece of Gothic architecture, has finally regained its lustre and its place at the heart of the Parisian landscape. With this renewal, Paris hopes to attract millions of visitors by 2024, confirming its status as the world’s cultural capital.
To follow the festivities live and find out more about the events organized around the reopening, check out the news on Paris Select. This weekend promises to be rich in emotions and encounters, combining heritage, diplomacy and universal symbols.
