What's happened
During the reopening of Notre Dame, First Lady Jill Biden represented the U.S. while President Joe Biden stayed in Washington due to a scheduling conflict. Meanwhile, former President Trump attended the event, showcasing a shift in political presence following the recent election.
Why it matters
What the papers say
Andrew Feinberg from The Independent notes that Biden's absence at the Notre Dame reopening underscores a diminishing presence since the election, while Trump capitalizes on the moment to assert his influence. The Independent also highlights Jill Biden's extensive travel as First Lady, emphasizing her role in promoting U.S. initiatives abroad. AP News corroborates this, detailing Jill Biden's itinerary and her focus on military families and health research, contrasting with Trump's high-profile attendance in Paris. This juxtaposition illustrates the shifting political landscape as Biden navigates the end of his term while Trump seeks to reclaim relevance on the global stage.
How we got here
The reopening of Notre Dame follows a five-year reconstruction after a devastating fire. This event coincides with a notable absence of President Biden, who has been less visible since the election, while Trump has been actively engaging with world leaders.
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Jill Tracy Jacobs Biden is an American educator who served as second lady of the United States from 2009 to 2017. She is married to Joe Biden, the 47th vice president of the United States, and the Democratic Party presidential nominee for the 2020 electio
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Donald John Trump is an American politician, media personality, and businessman who served as the 45th president of the United States from 2017 to 2021.