French President Emmanuel Macron rolled out a lavish welcome for Donald Trump, the United States’ president-elect, as he visited Paris on Saturday. Against the backdrop of the highly anticipated reopening of the Notre Dame Cathedral, the meeting was as much about spectacle as it was about addressing urgent global crises. Macron, a seasoned diplomat, showcased France’s hospitality while navigating the political intricacies of Trump’s return to the global stage.
A Grand Welcome Fit for a Leader
The atmosphere at the Élysée Palace was imbued with grandeur, befitting the occasion. Macron greeted Trump with a full display of French ceremonial pomp, including a red carpet, the Republican Guard in full regalia, and a military brass band. This was a clear signal of Macron’s intent to court favor with Trump ahead of his formal inauguration in January 2025.
“It’s a great honor for French people to welcome you five years later,” Macron said warmly. Trump reciprocated, expressing his gratitude while acknowledging the volatile state of global affairs. “It certainly seems like the world is going a little crazy right now. And we’ll be talking about that,” Trump remarked.
The pageantry was notable for treating Trump as a de facto representative of the United States, even though President Joe Biden remains in office until January. Biden himself declined an invitation to attend the Notre Dame ceremony, citing scheduling conflicts, and was represented by First Lady Jill Biden instead.