New York: President-elect Donald Trump has announced he will attend the grand reopening of Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris this weekend, marking his first foreign trip since winning the 2024 election. The cathedral, a historic Paris landmark, will open its doors after more than five years of extensive restoration following a devastating fire in 2019.

The reopening ceremonies, set for Saturday and Sunday, are expected to be a high-security event with around 50 heads of state and government in attendance. Trump shared the news in a post on his Truth Social platform on Monday evening, expressing his honor to attend the occasion.

“It is an honor to announce that I will be traveling to Paris, France, on Saturday to attend the re-opening of the Magnificent and Historic Notre Dame Cathedral, which has been fully restored after a devastating fire five years ago,” Trump wrote. He also praised French President Emmanuel Macron for his efforts in the restoration, calling it “a very special day for all!”

Trump’s first foreign trip since Election

This marks Trump’s first trip abroad since securing the presidency for a second term. His last international visit was in May 2023, when he traveled to Scotland and Ireland during his election campaign. In 2019, as president, Trump offered condolences and support to French leaders after the fire, even offering American expertise in restoration efforts.

Reopening celebration: A multi-day event

The reopening of Notre Dame will be an elaborate, multi-day celebration. On Saturday, Paris Archbishop Laurent Ulrich will lead a reopening service, symbolically "reawakening" the cathedral’s famous grand organ, which had been damaged by the fire. After the service, a concert will feature international performers, including opera singers Pretty Yende and Julie Fuchs, pianist Lang Lang, and cellist Yo-Yo Ma.

Mass and consecration on Sunday

On Sunday morning, Archbishop Ulrich will lead an inaugural Mass and consecration of the new altar. Nearly 170 bishops from around the world will join in the celebration, followed by a “fraternal buffet” for the needy.

High-security and public access

Due to the high-profile nature of the event, Ile de la Cité, where the cathedral is located, will be closed to tourists for the weekend. However, a public viewing area with space for 40,000 spectators will be set up along the Seine River’s southern bank for those wishing to witness the historic reopening.

Trump's relations with Macron

While Trump and Macron have had a complicated relationship, with tensions rising during Trump’s first term, the French president has made efforts to rebuild ties. Following Trump’s election win, Macron was one of the first global leaders to congratulate him. The two are expected to discuss key international matters during the event, including the ongoing war in Ukraine.

Trump’s nomination for ambassador to France

In another announcement, Trump revealed he intends to nominate real estate developer Charles Kushner, his son-in-law Jared Kushner’s father, as the next US ambassador to France. Kushner was pardoned by Trump in 2020 after serving a sentence for tax evasion and illegal campaign donations.

(Agency inputs)