The reopening of Notre Dame Cathedral on Saturday was more than a celebration of architectural triumph; it was a grand stage for global diplomacy, marked by a significant dynamic between former President Donald Trump and Lame Duck Joe Biden. What unfolded before the world’s eyes offered a subtle but powerful commentary on leadership and optics.
For starters, Joe Biden, who often claims to be a “devout Catholic,” wasn’t even there. First Lady Jill Biden and their daughter and Joe Biden’s shower partner, Ashley, represented the United States at the once-in-a-lifetime event instead. Not even Kamala Harris was deemed worthy enough to make an appearance.
Officially, the White House offered no explanation for Biden’s absence. Perhaps it was one of those situations where he wasn’t firing on all cylinders—especially in light of his recent public nap at a summit in Angola, Africa.
Recommended: Trump's Big Plan for Day One Will Really Trigger the Democrats
Whatever the reason for Joe’s absence, it was Trump, not the sitting first lady, who sat in a position of honor next to French President Emmanuel Macron and his wife, Brigitte.
The Daily Mail mocked the seating arrangement as "cringeworthy,” but was it really? Not for Trump, anyway. He was the de facto guest of honor in a position of prestige that highlighted his continuing prominence on the global stage. Far from awkward, Trump was even seen enjoying a friendly, warm exchange with Jill Biden—with many commenting on how cordial they were with each other, undermining the negative rhetoric lobbed at Trump by the Bidens and the Democratic Party for years.
There was nothing uncomfortable about the moment. It served as a stark contrast to Joe Biden’s increasingly diminished presence, with Trump’s assertive leadership style filling the void that has been missing for so long on the world stage.
Trump’s Notre Dame appearance was far more significant than it seemed. While the event mixed pageantry with global diplomacy, Trump’s interactions with leaders like Macron and Zelensky highlighted his renewed relevance on the world stage—even before he takes office again. His direct approach to defense and global security reinforced his America First agenda. The impact of Trump's victory is being felt all over. Even in the Middle East, we're finally seeing progress being made for the release of hostages in Gaza because Hamas knows there's a new sherif coming to town.
Earlier this month, Trump issued a stark warning to the terrorist group, warning them there’d be “hell to pay” if they did not release the remaining 100 hostages in Gaza, some of whom are American citizens. Now, reports suggest that Hamas is preparing for a ceasefire and hostage deal with Israel, with sources indicating they’ve been told to gather information on the hostages’ status, potentially signaling a shift in their approach.
Recommended: Trump's Victory Sparks Breakthrough in Hamas Hostage Standoff
Trump’s presence at Notre Dame was a symbolic reminder of the shifting dynamics in American politics, with Trump positioned at the forefront, paving the way for his next political chapter.
