On the occasion of his whirlwind visit to Paris, marking his big return to the diplomatic scene, the president-elect granted us an exclusive interview, between two interviews with Emmanuel Macron and Volodymyr Zelensky. He first had to submit to a thorough search by the security services before gaining access to the American embassy, where the meeting was arranged. In the vast marble hall, a feverish assistant places the “special president’s kit” on a corner of the table: sweets, a bottle of diet Coke, a can of hairspray and hydroalcoholic gel. At the appointed time, Donald Trump enters, surrounded by an army of bodyguards on duty. Courteous, diligent in his responses, the Republican was the opposite of his thundering legend that day.
“Ah, here, my wife! » he laughs when discovering the Paris Match covers that we brought him. “Can I keep them?” » Familiar with pharaonic construction sites, the former real estate magnate is inexhaustible on the “technical prowess” represented by the reconstruction of Notre-Dame. And he has no words strong enough to praise the quality of his relationship with President Macron, although he is notoriously up and down. A few weeks before the inauguration ceremony, he confirms the line he has always defended: fight against immigration and international disengagement.
Paris Match. How did you feel when you saw Notre-Dame burning on April 15, 2019?
Donald Trump. It was a terrible feeling, really. Visually and architecturally, I had never seen anything like it, apart from, of course, the World Trade Center attack, which was an absolute horror. It was truly terrible to watch.
Did you fear that the cathedral could be permanently destroyed?
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I knew your president was going to rebuild it. I know him and I know how much he cares about this country and the traditions of this great nation. My fear was that the fire would spread, the walls would collapse and there would be even more destruction. Notre-Dame suffered heavy damage, but I never doubted that every effort would be made to rebuild it one way or another. Today, everyone agrees that she is even more beautiful.
Notre-Dame holds a special place in your heart. You said that in your eyes it was almost more important than all the museums in the world. For what ?
It represents religion. It’s a magnificent building, but it’s something much bigger than a building. I remember the cathedral very well before the fire, I visited it twice. President Macron told me that they had to use a lot of wood, gigantic tree trunks, to rebuild the original ceilings which had completely collapsed. Now the space is even brighter, with lighter colors. It’s very positive.
Have you followed the rebuild process remotely?
Yes, I got some news. It was a very difficult reconstruction to carry out. The craftsmen had to ensure that the walls did not collapse because they were extremely fragile. They did an incredible job. I come from the construction sector, I know what I’m talking about! It was an infinitely complex challenge to overcome, because you cannot work like on a normal construction site, where everything goes quickly.
Americans made huge donations
Donald Trump
Why do you think Notre Dame Cathedral is so important to Americans?
Because they love France, and me too! The Americans made huge donations. I was very proud to learn that a large part of the funds to rebuild the cathedral came from the United States.
You were the first president to call Emmanuel Macron on the day of the Notre-Dame fire. I believe you were also the first to be invited to the inauguration…
I don’t know about the invitation, but I heard that I was, in fact, the first to telephone the president. Seeing this really touched my heart.
What did you tell him when you called him?
I asked him, “Are you okay?” » It was an extremely serious moment for France. Having succeeded in rebuilding Notre-Dame in a relatively short time is a great achievement. Every detail has been meticulously thought out. The majority of works of art have been restored and could be saved. It had to be done, because Notre-Dame represents nine hundred years of history.
Who do you want to congratulate for this?
Of course, we must first say congratulations to President Macron, but also to the artisans. You have some very talented ones in France. Their task was really difficult, they had to adapt, rebuild according to the rules of the art.
Notre-Dame has become a symbol of resilience in the world. Can we draw a parallel with your own political journey?
Yes, absolutely. That’s resilience: after the shock, you have to go all the way, do what’s necessary, persevere. I know something about it, I managed to become president again!
Is your presence in Paris, a month and a half before taking office, a positive signal for the future diplomatic relationship with France?
I hope so. I have always had good relations with your president and I have always appreciated France. It is a magnificent country, an elegant country, a country of art. I like being here.
“France is a friend and an ally”
Do you consider France as a strategic ally or as a friend?
A friend and an ally. Absolutely.
You chose Charles Kushner, the father of your stepson, as ambassador to France. Is this a sign of confidence in our country?
Yes, it is a special treatment. It doesn’t happen every day to name a family member in a foreign country. He is Ivanka’s father-in-law and a very good friend of mine, but also a very talented and very stylish man. He is delighted with this mission. France was his first choice.
What will be the priorities of the strategic partnership between France and the United States?
First of all, trade. We are going to do a lot of business with France. You are already selling us your wonderful wines and champagnes. We will also focus on defense. We will talk about Ukraine. I have already started, I have just met President Zelensky, with whom I had a good discussion.
In the United States we have an immigration problem
Donald Trump
Notre-Dame is also a symbol of the union of peoples in the world. Currently, our world is more divided than ever. What would be the first crisis you would like to address as president?
In the United States we have an immigration problem. You also have them in France. And we have a crime problem. We will resolve these issues very quickly.
And on the international scene?
There are a lot of crises in the world. In recent days, we have had news in Syria. They will have to fend for themselves because we are not involved there, and neither is France. The priority is to resolve the Ukraine problem with Russia. These two countries are suffering incredible human losses. Hundreds of thousands of soldiers are killed. The Middle East is also important, but I think it’s a less difficult situation to manage than Ukraine and Russia.
What do you plan to do during your stay in Paris?
I arrived late last night. I would love to stay longer, but I have to get back quickly because the inauguration ceremony on January 20 is fast approaching. It will be a great day! A great day for France, too.
The cover of issue 3945 of Paris Match
© Baptiste Giroudon
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