Trump to visit Paris for Notre Dame reopening in first trip abroad as president-elect

WASHINGTON — Donald Trump will make his first trip abroad since winning the recent U.S. presidential election — a visit to Paris on Saturday for the reopening of Notre Dame Cathedral.

The famed cathedral has been closed to the public since it suffered extensive damage in a 2019 fire. After undergoing five years of restoration, the cathedral will reopen with invite-only events this weekend. Trump said he would attend one on Dec. 7.

Trump announced the visit in a social media post on Monday evening. It was not immediately clear if he planned to meet with French President Emmanuel Macron while he was in Paris.

"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," he wrote. "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!"

France was a favorite international destination of Trump's during his presidency. He visited the country four times, including for Bastille Day, Armistice Day and D-Day ceremonies, during his first term in office. He also attended a Group of Seven Summit in France.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Trump to attend Notre Dame Cathedral reopening in France