President-elect Donald Trump announced on Monday that he will attend the grand reopening of Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris this Saturday. The historic landmark has undergone extensive restoration following a devastating fire in April 2019.
“It is an honor 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 fully restored after a devastating fire five years ago,” Trump said in a statement. “President Emmanuel Macron has done a wonderful job ensuring that Notre Dame has been restored to its full level of glory, and even more so. It will be a very special day for all!”
Notre Dame Cathedral, a UNESCO World Heritage site and iconic symbol of Paris, originally began construction in the 12th century.
The 2019 fire, which injured three emergency workers, destroyed much of the cathedral’s roof and caused its iconic spire to collapse. Many religious relics and artworks suffered smoke damage, and the building faced an uncertain future.
French President Emmanuel Macron vowed to have the cathedral restored within five years—a goal achieved four months ahead of schedule.
One of the most challenging aspects of the