President-elect Trump will travel to Paris this weekend to attend the reopening of Notre Dame Cathedral, five years after a devastating fire destroyed the 12th-century structure.
President Trump announced his visit on December 7th on social media.
“I am proud 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 completely restored after a devastating fire five years ago.” he wrote. In true social. “President Emmanuel Macron has done a great job of restoring Notre Dame Cathedral to its full level of glory, which is even more impressive.”
Notre-Dame Cathedral to reopen as it prepares for influx of tourists after devastating fire
President Trump said he will attend a celebration of the reopening of Notre Dame Cathedral this weekend, five years after it was severely damaged by fire. (Al Drago/Bloomberg via Getty Images)
“It's going to be a very special day for everyone!” he added.
About 50 heads of state and government are expected to attend the invitation-only ceremony on Saturday and Sunday. Trump's aides are in talks with Macron's French presidential office regarding the trip, a source confirmed to Fox News.
After the devastating fire that struck the landmark in April 2019, nearly $1 billion was raised to rebuild this iconic site. Approximately $148 million of that amount remains.
The fire caused part of the cathedral's roof and exterior to collapse, and the interior was destroyed.
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Notre Dame Cathedral suffered a devastating fire in April 2019. (Pierre Sue/Getty Images)
At the time of the fire, President Trump encouraged France to use “flying water tankers” to extinguish the raging blaze.
“It's truly terrifying to see the great fire in Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris,” he wrote. “Maybe we can use a flying water tanker to extinguish the fire. We need to act quickly!”
According to the website of the Friends of Notre Dame de Paris, the cathedral was visited by more than 12 million people each year before the fire.
French President Emmanuel Macron He toured the site ahead of its public opening on Dec. 8 and described the experience as “overwhelming.”
The nave of Notre Dame de Paris Cathedral photographed on Friday, November 29, 2024 in Paris, France. (AP/Stephane de Sactin)
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Estimated 15 million annual visitors The cathedral's website says it plans to reserve time slots when it reopens.
