Trump looking ‘awkward’ while seated next to Jill and Ashley Biden at Notre-Dame has Internet in stitches

Trump looking ‘awkward’ while seated next to Jill and Ashley Biden at Notre-Dame has Internet in stitches
Donald Trump was seated just one seat away from Jill Biden and her daughter, Ashley Biden, at the ceremony to mark the reopening of Notre-Dame of Paris Cathedral on December 7, 2024 in Paris, France (Pascal Le Segretain/Getty Images for Notre-Dame de Pari

PARIS, FRANCE: The reopening of Paris' iconic Notre-Dame Cathedral was a grand and politically charged event, bringing together global leaders, including Donald Trump, First Lady Jill Biden, Prince William and others, but it was the seating arrangement that had the internet in stitches. 

Against the backdrop of the cathedral's remarkable restoration following the devastating 2019 fire, the seating arrangement at the ceremony stirred widespread online discussion, particularly over President-elect Donald Trump sitting just one seat away from Jill Biden and her daughter, Ashley Biden.

(L-R) Ashley Biden, First Lady Jill Biden and U.S. President-elect Donald Trump attend the ceremony to mark the reopening of Notre-Dame of Paris Cathedral on December 07, 2024 in Paris, France. After five years of restoration, Notre-Dame Cathedral in Paris reopens its doors to the world in the presence of Emmanuel Macron and around fifty heads of state, including Donald Trump, invited for the occasion. (Photo by Pascal Le Segretain/Getty Images for Notre-Dame de Paris)
Ashley Biden, First Lady Jill Biden and President-elect Donald Trump attend the ceremony to mark the reopening of Notre-Dame of Paris Cathedral on December 7, 2024 in Paris, France (Pascal Le Segretain/Getty Images for Notre-Dame de Paris)

Donald Trump and Jill Biden at Notre-Dame ceremonial reopening

World leaders gathered in the French capital for the reopening of the Notre-Dame Cathedral, five years after it was severely damaged in a fire that drew a global outpouring of support.

The $800 million renovation, funded by donors worldwide, is a testament to global solidarity and reverence for the iconic Parisian landmark.

At the reopening ceremony on Saturday, December 8, Trump sat in the front row between French President Emmanuel Macron and French first lady Brigitte Macron. On the other side of the French first lady, Jill Biden sat with her daughter, Ashley Biden, to her right.

Trump and Jill Biden were photographed speaking when Brigitte Macron wasn’t in her seat.



 

Donald Trump and Jill Biden's seating arrangement sparks hilarious reactions

First Lady of the Republic of Congo, Antoinette Sassou Nguesso, Prince Moulay Rachid of Morocco, Rachid ben El-Hassan Alaoui, President of the Republic of Congo, Denis Sassou-Nguesso, Ashley Biden, First Lady Jill Biden, Rumen Radev and U.S. President-elect Donald Trump attend the ceremony to mark the reopening of Notre-Dame of Paris Cathedral on December 07, 2024 in Paris, France. (Photo by Pascal Le Segretain/Getty Images for Notre-Dame de Paris)
First Lady of the Republic of Congo, Antoinette Sassou Nguesso, Prince Moulay Rachid of Morocco, Rachid ben El-Hassan Alaoui, President of the Republic of Congo, Denis Sassou-Nguesso, Ashley Biden, First Lady Jill Biden, Rumen Radev and President-elect Donald Trump attend the ceremony to mark the reopening of Notre-Dame of Paris Cathedral on December 7, 2024 in Paris, France ( Pascal Le Segretain/Getty Images for Notre-Dame de Paris)

Observers noted the "awkward" seating positions of Donald Trump and Jill Biden, given the political dynamics. Social media responses ranged from playful banter to Trump supporters celebrating his placement, calling it a "seat of honor" alongside Emmanuel Macron and his wife, Brigitte Macron, per DailyMail.

Photos of Trump and Jill Biden’s brief exchange, in which the First Lady appeared composed and smiling, added fuel to the online frenzy.

One user said, "Well, that is an awkward seating. President Trump and Jill are one seat away. Well, out with the old and in with the new!"



 



 

A user remarked, "Comedy gold!"

A comment read, "That's funny! and also cringy to watch. trump is 100% uncomfortable. his body language is of a man needing and quickly trying to be the alpha in the room, and it is coming off awkward."

One user said, "He looks so uncomfortable and the women are all posing. Such a weird f**king photo/situation."



 



 

Another joked, "Not awkward for Trump. She voted for him, he should stop and thank her."



 

Emmanuel Macron and Donald Trump discuss global challenges

Earlier in the day, Donald Trump and Emmanuel Macron engaged in bilateral discussions at the Elysee Presidential Palace, addressing pressing global concerns.

Macron described the meeting as a "great honor," while Trump acknowledged the "crazy" state of world affairs.

PARIS, FRANCE - DECEMBER 07: French President Emmanuel Macron welcomes U.S. President-elect Donald Trump prior to their meeting at Elysee Palace on December 07, 2024 in Paris, France. A wave of foreign dignitaries descended on Paris this weekend to attend a reopening ceremony at Notre-Dame Cathedral, more than five years after it was damaged in a major fire.(Photo by Antoine Gyori - Corbis/Corbis via Getty Images)
French President Emmanuel Macron welcomes President-elect Donald Trump prior to their meeting at Elysee Palace on December 7, 2024 in Paris, France (Antoine Gyori - Corbis/Corbis via Getty Images)

Among the key topics was the ongoing Russo-Ukrainian conflict, with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky joining the talks.

Trump, who previously claimed he could end the war within a day, faced speculation about whether he would push for compromises favoring Russia.

The leaders concluded their discussions with a group photo, where Macron offered a thumbs-up, signaling diplomatic camaraderie amid the serious agenda.

Prince William attends Notre-Dame reopening ceremony

Prince William also attended the ceremony, representing the United Kingdom and seeking to bolster the US-UK "special relationship".

Despite travel disruptions in the UK due to Storm Darragh, the prince met privately with Trump to discuss shared diplomatic goals.

While a separate meeting with Jill Biden had to be rescheduled due to the storm, William joined world leaders in celebrating the cathedral’s reopening.

PARIS, FRANCE - DECEMBER 7: President-Elect Donald Trump and Prince William, Prince of Wales meet at the Embassy of the United Kingdom's Residence on December 7, 2024 in Paris, France. Donald Trump was among the wave of foreign dignitaries descending on Paris this weekend to attend a reopening ceremony at Notre-Dame Cathedral, more than five years after it was damaged in a major fire. (Photo by Oleg Nikishin/Getty Images)
President-elect Donald Trump and Prince William meet at the Embassy of the United Kingdom's Residence on December 7, 2024 in Paris, France (Oleg Nikishin/Getty Images)

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