This past weekend, President-elect Donald Trump was present for the re-opening of the famed Notre Dame cathedral in Paris, France, which tragically caught fire in April 2019. As Trump received congratulations on his election victory from world leaders beneath the awe-inspiring grandeur of the restored cathedral, the event seemed to mark a symbolic turning point for not just the United States, but the entire Western world – the opening of a new era of hope and optimism through rebuilding and restoring ancient traditions.
Far from the international outcast that he was treated as following his first election in 2016, Trump arrived at Notre Dame with almost the air of a conquering hero. Even First Lady Jill Biden was photographed appearing to engage in a bit of banter with the 45th and 47th president.
The triumphant mood was echoed in the reciting of the Te Deum hymn, an ancient melody originating in the 4th century that evokes a joyous mood. One chant in particular, which emphasizes seeking God’s mercy, seemed to take on deeper meaning amid the historical context of the event:
“Save your people, Lord, and bless
your inheritance.
Govern and uphold them now and always.
For we put our trust in you.”
After decades in which the cultural left has worked to eradicate all notion of Western traditions, faith and religion chief among them, the re-opening of Notre Dame was a reminder that those traditions, and Christianity in particular, remain a core part of the West’s identity. Moreover, those traditions and the great monuments and works of art they gave rise to still hold the power to stir the hearts of citizens and leaders alike.
The re-opening of Notre Dame was in this sense the latest chapter in an ongoing peaceful counter-revolution quietly taking place throughout the West, with conservative values creeping back into the mainstream. While Notre Dame is a cultural and religious embodiment of this counter-revolution, Trump’s re-election was a watershed moment in the political realm.
In order to understand the significance of Trump’s victory within the context of Western history, it is important to first understand who, or rather what, he defeated.
In truth, the 2024 election was not just about Trump vs. Vice President Kamala Harris, or even about Trump’s “America First” agenda vs. the far-left policy prescriptions of the Democrat Party. In a broader sense, Trump’s struggle was about the power of the people vs. the elites and the ruling class. It was about the ability of everyday men and women to have a say in what type of country they want to live in – what principles will underpin the government, and what values their children will grow up learning.
For decades, throughout the West as in the United States, a select few elites have imposed their values on the majority of the population, ensuring that every institution, from the courts to schools and the media, is weaponized to silence any dissent. These elites promoted globalization and open borders at the expense of domestic workers, diminishing national cultures in favor of one homogenized global identity.
For these elites, traditions and customs are obstacles to “progress” – even traditions like freedom of speech, religious liberty, and the right of every man and woman to keep what he or she has earned.
The disdain of the elites for the beliefs, hopes, and dreams of everyday people has now become too obvious to ignore. First it was Barack Obama slandering “bitter” voters in the Midwest who “cling to guns or religion.” Then it was Hillary Clinton smearing Trump supporters as a “basket of deplorables” and Biden calling that same group “garbage.”
Voters rejected this regime by electing Trump in 2016 and may have finally vanquished it by re-electing him on November 5, marking the beginning of a new post-liberal chapter in the history of the West.
Austrian historian and philosopher Bruno Siegfried von Affelberg told me that Trump’s “Make America Great Again” slogan carries great influence beyond the United States, as it calls for restoring the virtue of a citizenry to make republican government possible. Von Affelberg even compared the idealism of Trump’s famous motto to the “aesthetic nature of medieval cathedral architecture” in that both are designed to inspire greatness in a population.
As Professor von Affelberg explained, the construction of Notre Dame “symbolized God’s authority over human powers.” In the same way, Trump’s victory forced the elites to face the reality that the people would have the final say in determining their political and economic future. The people will only allow the ruling class to trample their hard-won liberties so long.
For the global left of a decade ago, the sight of Trump commemorating the re-opening of a great European cathedral – and what that spectacle represents – would no doubt be a shock to the senses. But Trump has ushered in the rise of a powerful movement that promises to reshape the history of not just the United States, but the entire Western world.
Ben Solis is the pen name of an international affairs journalist, historian, and researcher.
I watched parts of the televised reopening of Notre Dame Cathedral, and was delighted to see President Trump welcomed by French President Macron and his wife. Even more impressive was Macron’s invitation to seat Trump right next to himself before Macron addressed the audience. A nice touch was showing gratitude to those who responded to the fire and to the artisans who worked on the cathedral for the past 5 years.
Whether this helped reestablish the importance of Christianity or to preserve an 800-year-old cultural icon and architectural gem depends on what you believe in. I’m not religious, but I respect the right for others to choose their own way. And I’m certainly glad to see this magnificent cathedral restored to live on for another millennium.
Trump has changed the way the world looks at the United States–much for the better I believe.
Attending the re-opening of Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris ,France was something noble for President Trump to do. Those of us here in America ,in France , anywhere in the world who value Liberty will understand the significance of President Trump being at that ceremony. To take a stand for principles is the honorable thing to do. Very good article Ben, reshaping history , something right to do for sure. That spirit can bring about all manner of positive changes for the betterment of life. It is great to know that good character, having a sense of purpose and living by a code of conduct matter. The reverence for having Faith in God , the qualities that develop as a result of right,proper thinking by people motivated to rise above obstacles and make achievements in life , accomplishing things through freedom of thought it is something to be thankful for.
Where was Joe- did he wander off again? :-0 January 20th can’t come soon enough… But let’s hope Trump doesn’t get fooled by all the faux accolades being lavished at him today by the same ones who called him a “threat to democracy” yesterday!
France supplied the most money to refurbish the cathedral. Afterall, it is in France. The USA was second. It was rightfully so that President Trump attended instead of Joe Biden.
A very powerful message in this article. I believe the re-election of Donald Trump will give courage to other freedom-loving people all over the globe to assert themselves in a movement to bring down oppressive governments. I thank God for the citizens of the USA having the courage to stand up and say “NO MORE” to arrogant, crooked and power-hungry politicians!
Hi Amac from France, great day for Europ and Usa to see Paris Notre Dame cathédral and to hear its organ, i wait a mass with JS Bach, Welcome in France dear friends
A new era in history! I’m glad I’m still alive to see and experience it.
It would be nice to dream that you are correct and that the “elite” have been taught a lesson. Sadly as we see Bezos and Zukerpuss come to Trump and kiss the ring we know that these people see Trump as an ally at some level. Let’s look at who assembles in Davos for the globalist gathering of those imaginaging they are the elite (the WEF) and see if they change their tone or the 2030 plan informing the deplorables that we “will own nothing and learn to like it”!
My guess is they lost the battle but will pardon all of their followers for crimes committed and come back with a vengeance in the coming years. Regan was correct that freedom is fleeting and we must be ever watchful.
“WE, THE PEOPLE”.
It was great to see the cathedral reopened it will stand the test of time again. I was also happy to see President Trump there also that President Macron welcomed President Trump to sit with him there is a lot of respect around the world for President Trump he is a true leader of this country.
So Jill Biden was engaging in a little bit of banter and casual conversation with the new POTUS that we all know she voted for! Because we all know that Jill hates Kamala as much as the rest of America does!
Turning which way.. is US conceding? Better NOT happen!
World is a fickle place. In reasonably normal time there is no hesitancy to attack America, protest against her even rip her flag. In the dire times it humbly accepts her greatness and is grateful for it.Everyone should be grateful for her.God bless her.
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