President-elect Donald Trump announced on Monday that he will attend the highly anticipated reopening of the Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris next weekend, celebrating the iconic site’s full restoration after a devastating fire five years ago.

“It is an honor to announce that I will be traveling to Paris, France, on Saturday to attend the reopening of the Magnificent and Historic Notre Dame Cathedral, which has been fully restored after a devastating fire five years ago,” Trump posted on Truth Social.

He praised French President Emmanuel Macron for his leadership in the restoration process, adding, “President Emmanuel Macron has done a wonderful job ensuring that Notre Dame has been restored to its full level of glory, and even more so. It will be a very special day for all!”

The cathedral, a masterpiece of Gothic architecture and one of the most visited landmarks in the world, was severely damaged in the spring of 2019 when a fire broke out, causing its spire and much of its wooden roof to collapse.

At the time, Trump, then serving as U.S. president, expressed his sorrow during a public event in Minnesota.

“It’s one of the great treasures of the world,” Trump remarked. “Probably, if you think about it … it might be greater than almost any museum in the world. And it’s burning very badly. It looks like it’s burning to the ground.”

Trump also offered suggestions on how to manage the blaze, tweeting that “flying water tankers could be used to put it out.” However, French officials quickly dismissed the idea, pointing out the risks involved.

France’s Sécurité Civile, the civil defense and crisis management agency, clarified at the time that water-bombing aircraft could cause the cathedral’s fragile structure to collapse entirely.

“All means are being used, except for water-bombing aircrafts which, if used, could lead to the collapse of the entire structure of the cathedral,” the agency explained.

Now, after years of painstaking restoration, the Notre Dame Cathedral stands ready to welcome visitors once again. The reopening ceremonies, scheduled for December 7 and 8, will include a series of events stretching into the following week.

According to the cathedral’s official website, the festivities will culminate on December 15, celebrating the resilience of one of France’s most cherished landmarks.

Trump’s decision to attend the reopening highlights the international significance of Notre Dame as a cultural and historical symbol.

For many, the cathedral’s restoration represents a triumph of human ingenuity and perseverance. The event is expected to draw dignitaries, religious leaders, and art enthusiasts from around the world, underscoring Notre Dame’s enduring global legacy.

As anticipation builds for the weekend ceremonies, Trump’s presence in Paris will likely draw additional attention to an already historic moment.
The reopening marks not only the return of an architectural treasure but also a powerful reminder of the global community’s shared appreciation for preserving history and culture.