The reopening of Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris on Saturday brought together world leaders to mark the restoration of the iconic landmark after its devastating 2019 fire.
Among the attendees were First Lady Jill Biden and President-elect Donald Trump, whose unexpected interaction sparked widespread speculation and discussion.
While dozens of global leaders attended the ceremony, Joe Biden was notably absent.
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Despite being a self-described “devout Catholic,” the president did not join the event, citing no apparent scheduling conflicts.
Instead, First Lady Jill Biden and her daughter represented the United States.
The absence of Joe Biden was highlighted as his successor, Donald Trump, was a guest of honor.
Trump was seated in the front row alongside French President Emmanuel Macron, a placement that underscored his growing presence on the world stage.
I know we’re long past any more assumptions that Joe Biden is still acting in charge of anything, but it seems weird that our devout Catholic president is not attending this re-opening alongside other world leaders. https://t.co/JPux7bjvp8
— Stephen L. Miller (@redsteeze) December 7, 2024
Donald Trump with world leaders and heads of state at Notre Dame Cathedral today
Notice how every single person’s eyes seem to be fixated on Trump, they can’t look away
The boss is back pic.twitter.com/wjo6KkDvZJ
— Wall Street Apes (@WallStreetApes) December 8, 2024
The event took an unexpected turn when Jill Biden and Trump, seated near each other, shared what appeared to be a lighthearted exchange while waiting for French First Lady Brigitte Macron to join them.
Though the exact nature of their conversation remains unknown, photos and videos of the moment quickly went viral, prompting reactions from across the political spectrum.
She voted for him. It’s settled science. pic.twitter.com/uH9n5eE4sv
— Bonchie (@bonchieredstate) December 7, 2024
Social media users speculated on the interaction, with some jokingly suggesting that Jill Biden had warmed to Trump. “I just want to find someone that looks at me the way Jill Biden looks at Trump,” one user quipped on X.
I just want to find someone that looks at me the way Jill Biden looks at Trump pic.twitter.com/cjiER7dWsV
— drefanzor memes (@drefanzor) December 7, 2024
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Another wrote, “Jill Biden looks like she’s in love with the BOSS Trump. 100% confirmed she voted for Trump!”
Jill Biden looks like she’s in love with the BOSS Trump.
100% confirmed she voted for Trump! 🤣🤣🤣 pic.twitter.com/82hG20HE0w
— AJ Huber (@Huberton) December 7, 2024
The lighthearted moment reignited ongoing speculation about Jill Biden’s views on Trump, which had been fueled by several previous incidents.
In September, Joe Biden donned a red “Trump” hat while meeting with firefighters in Pennsylvania, and Jill Biden’s choice of a bright red outfit on Election Day added to the intrigue.
🚨BREAKING: Kamala did so bad in last night’s debate, Joe Biden just put on a Trump hat. pic.twitter.com/OzgCRKIbKp
— Trump War Room (@TrumpWarRoom) September 11, 2024
Some theorists have even suggested that the Bidens’ relationship with Kamala Harris has been strained since Joe Biden dropped out of the presidential race in July.
These theories were bolstered by the Bidens’ apparent jubilation following Trump’s victory in the November election.
The Notre Dame event marked Trump’s first international trip since his November 5 election victory.
During his visit to Paris, he met with several world leaders, including French President Emmanuel Macron, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, and the UK’s Prince William. Trump’s handshake with Macron drew attention, as did his discussions with other leaders on global issues.
President Trump manhandles French President Emmanuel Macron with one of the most dominating handshakes I’ve ever seen
We are so back
— Drew Hernandez (@DrewHLive) December 7, 2024
As speculation swirls about the interactions at Notre Dame, the focus now shifts to Trump’s incoming administration and its approach to both domestic and international challenges.
The unexpected camaraderie displayed between Jill Biden and Trump has added another layer to an already dramatic political transition, reflecting the unpredictable nature of U.S. politics in 2024.
While Joe Biden’s absence raised questions, Trump’s prominent presence at the event signaled his intent to position himself as a leader on the global stage.
.@ScottJenningsKY: Thank goodness Donald Trump is willing to go represent this country on the world stage. He’s not taken office yet but you can already see the attitude change of the American posture and the posture of the rest of the world. This man projects strength. pic.twitter.com/28i0UpA9kl
— Trump War Room (@TrumpWarRoom) December 8, 2024
President Trump’s presence at the official reopening of the Notre-Dame Cathedral today in Paris sent a powerful message to the rest of the globe that America is back, and Donald Trump is the leader of the free world again.
📺@NewsNation pic.twitter.com/4tlRpXhSkF
— Steve Cortes (@CortesSteve) December 7, 2024
For many, the reopening of Notre Dame served as a symbol of resilience and renewal—both for the cathedral and for the shifting dynamics in American politics.
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Of course, they’re friendly and upbeat; they’re happy to stop playing this role of “bad Democrat president”; it was all theater to get us to reelect Trump; now the real reset begins.
They tried to do 2020’s steal all over again but this time they weren’t creative enough.
Trump kissed the kosher ring and was selected….. AIPAC forever….. a handler for every legislator….merry xmas