Trump Returns To World Stage In Paris Trip, Overshadows Biden’s Final Weeks In White House

President-elect Donald Trump met with key leaders in Europe over the weekend as President Joe Biden stayed away because of a “scheduling conflict” with the reopening of the Notre Dame cathedral in Paris.

Trump traveled to Paris for Notre Dame’s official reopening ceremony after the medieval cathedral was severely damaged in a fire in 2019. The celebration marked Trump’s return to the world stage since winning his reelection.

French President Emmanuel Macron welcomed Trump to the Élysée Palace on Saturday, where the French leader hosted a meeting between Macron, Trump, and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky. Trump addressed reporters in Paris, touting his relationship with the French president during Trump’s first term in office.

“We had a lot of really great success working together on defense and offense, too,” Trump said, according to the Washington Examiner. “It certainly seems like the world is going a little bit crazy right now, and we’ll be talking about that.”

Macron promoted the trilateral meeting with Trump and Zelensky on social media.

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“United States, Ukraine, and France. Together on this historic day. Gathered for Notre-Dame. Let us continue our joint efforts for peace and security,” Macron said in a post on X with a photo of the three leaders.

United States, Ukraine, and France. Together on this historic day. Gathered for Notre-Dame. Let us continue our joint efforts for peace and security. pic.twitter.com/hEYGEklihT

— Emmanuel Macron (@EmmanuelMacron) December 7, 2024

Zelensky described the meeting as “good and productive” in a post on X. Ukraine’s war against Russia was the most pressing matter of the meeting.

“We all want this war to end as soon as possible and in a just way. We spoke about our people, the situation on the ground, and a just peace,” Zelensky posted. “We agreed to continue working together and keep in contact. Peace through strength is possible.”

I had a good and productive trilateral meeting with President @realDonaldTrump and President @EmmanuelMacron at the Élysée Palace.

President Trump is, as always, resolute. I thank him. I also extend my gratitude to Emmanuel for organizing this important meeting.

We all want… pic.twitter.com/eKMtuhp2ZI

— Volodymyr Zelenskyy / Володимир Зеленський (@ZelenskyyUa) December 7, 2024

The reopening ceremony for the cathedral attracted dozens of world leaders, according to the Financial Times. Video from the event showed Trump shaking hands with a number of leaders and heads of state at the event.

President Trump is welcomed by the world leaders and heads of state in attendance at Notre Dame Cathedral. pic.twitter.com/2KB4u62YTY

— Trump War Room (@TrumpWarRoom) December 7, 2024

Biden was invited to attend as well, but missed the trip because of a “scheduling conflict,” according to the White House. First lady Jill Biden attended the event, but did not take part in any high-level meetings between the various world leaders.