Trump to return to world stage for Notre Dame Cathedral reopening in Paris

French President Emmanuel Macron welcomes US President-elect Donald Trump to the Élysée Palace in Paris on December 7.

CNN

Trump returns to world stage for Notre Dame Cathedral reopening in Paris

The Notre Dame Cathedral provided the luminous backdrop for President-elect Donald Trump’s return to the geopolitical stage Saturday, when French officials put an ornate line under the five-year project to restore the soaring landmark with a reopening ceremony featuring dozens of world leaders.

It's notable that Trump hasn't been inaugurated, but is already serving as the president.

President-elect Donald Trump shakes hands with Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelenskyy in Notre Dame Cathedral as France's iconic cathedral is formally reopening its doors for the first time since a devastating fire nearly destroyed the 861-year-old landmark in 2019, Saturday Dec.7, 2024 in Paris ( Ludovic Marin, Pool via AP)

AP News

Trump calls for immediate ceasefire in Ukraine and says a US withdrawal from NATO is possible

Donald Trump is pushing Russian leader Vladimir Putin to act to reach an immediate ceasefire with Ukraine. Trump describes it as part of his active efforts as president-elect to end the war despite being weeks from taking office. Trump also said he would be open to reducing military aid to Ukraine and pulling the United States out of NATO. Those are two threats that have alarmed Ukraine, NATO allies and many in the U.S. national security community. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy says any deal would have to pave the way to a lasting peace. The Kremlin's spokesman says Moscow is open to talks with Ukraine.

Meanwhile, Biden is silent. He could stand up for norms, and try to leave behind a legacy, but instead, he lets the authoritarianism rush ahead.