Staff Reports
President-elect Donald Trump has made headlines for his recent jaunt to Paris, where he was warmly welcomed by French President Emmanuel Macron during a ceremony marking the reopening of Notre Dame Cathedral, which had suffered a devastating fire in 2019. This invitation was a strategic move for Macron, who is currently facing political turbulence in France. One can only assume that with the chaos surrounding his government, a visit from Trump was seen as a glimmer of hope, albeit one buried in a pile of existential crises.
During Trump’s visit, he rubbed shoulders with various European leaders, who seemed eager to align themselves with the previous commander-in-chief rather than the current one. Observers noted the notable absence of President Biden, who was presumably occupied with some pressing business of his own—perhaps taking a nap or figuring out what day it was. The optics of world leaders flocking to greet Trump while Biden’s team kept him out of the limelight speak volumes about the ongoing perception of Biden’s feeble leadership.
The visual representation of respect shown to Trump is hard to ignore. World leaders rising to greet him while questioning the absence of Biden at this high-profile event paints a surreal picture. For many, it’s a striking reminder that, despite Biden being technically in office, it often feels like he’s been relegated to the sidelines. The irony is rich, watching dignitaries seeking out Trump as though he were still the president while his successor struggles to maintain any semblance of relevance on the world stage.
The stark contrast was further emphasized by the attendance of Jill and Ashley Biden, who appeared to engage amicably with Trump. This casual familiarity almost suggests a normalization of their relationship, despite the three-plus years of political tension. It raises eyebrows—not just about the state of the Biden household at such a high-profile event but also about just how effective the current administration is at maintaining any dignity in the face of international diplomacy.
Is Trump Already Our De Facto President? https://t.co/suuMEDnUD4
— Marlon East Of The Pecos (@Darksideleader2) December 9, 2024
Biden’s invisibility in France underscores just how desperate his team seems to be in keeping him from public scrutiny. The sitting president has become synonymous with images of slumping energy levels and scandal-ridden narratives, as evidenced by his recent undertaking of political obscurity. As Biden’s polling numbers plummet and criticisms abound about his administration, it almost seems like Trump’s presence in Paris was more presidential than anything coming out of the White House lately.
In a political landscape increasingly marked by confusion and chaos, Trump was able to bask in the limelight without needing to lift a finger. The juxtaposition of Biden’s absence with Trump’s reception abroad raises uncomfortable questions about who is truly viewed as the leader. While progressive agendas tiptoe around sanity in attempting to assign blame for current events, Trump’s triumphant appearance in Paris serves as a reminder of what many are longing to see again: strong, decisive leadership. Perhaps, just perhaps, America is ready to lean back into the idea of a president unfazed by uncertainty, rather than one hiding behind carefully curated public appearances.
