Paris Trip Marks Trump’s Return to World Stage, Overshadowing Biden’s Last Days

President-elect Donald Trump made a triumphant return to the international stage this weekend, attending the reopening of Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris. The event marked a significant moment for Trump as he met with world leaders, including French President Emmanuel Macron and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, while outgoing President Joe Biden skipped the trip due to a “scheduling conflict.”

The reopening of the iconic medieval cathedral, which was severely damaged in a 2019 fire, served as a backdrop for Trump’s reemergence as a key global figure ahead of his second term in office.

French President Emmanuel Macron hosted Trump at the Élysée Palace before the ceremony, bringing together Trump, Macron, and Zelensky for a trilateral meeting. The discussion centered on Ukraine’s ongoing war with Russia and global security challenges.

• Macron praised the cooperation between the United States, Ukraine, and France, calling for continued joint efforts for peace and security.

• Zelensky described the meeting as “good and productive,” emphasizing the shared desire for a just resolution to the war.

• Trump, reflecting on his first term, touted his strong relationship with Macron, saying, “We had a lot of really great success working together on defense and offense, too.”

Trump’s presence in Paris was in stark contrast to Biden’s absence. While dozens of world leaders attended the reopening ceremony, the White House cited a “scheduling conflict” as the reason for Biden’s no-show. Instead, First Lady Jill Biden represented the administration but did not engage in any high-level diplomatic meetings.

The decision to skip the event comes as Biden faces dwindling influence in the final weeks of his presidency. Trump's high-profile appearances and meetings, meanwhile, underscored the global anticipation for a shift in U.S. leadership.

The Paris trip not only solidified Trump’s return to the world stage but also sent a clear signal about his priorities as he prepares to take office again. Ukraine’s conflict with Russia remains a pressing issue, with Trump hinting at a desire for “peace through strength.”

The event also demonstrated Trump’s ability to dominate the international spotlight, shaking hands with numerous heads of state and reaffirming relationships forged during his first term. His presence highlighted what many perceive as a leadership vacuum under Biden, setting the stage for Trump to reclaim a prominent role in global affairs.

Share this article or subscribe to our newsletter for updates on U.S. leadership and international diplomacy as Trump prepares for his second term.