For the first time, departing First Lady Jill Biden finally just discussed her viral conversation with President-elect Donald Trump at Notre Dame Cathedral’s December reopening ceremony.
She said it was important for democracy to respect the incoming president — despite years of Democratic Party political attacks calling Trump and his allies a danger to democracy.
Washington Post reporter Kara Voght had questioned Jill Biden’s motives about talking to Trump despite President Joe Biden repeatedly calling Trump an “existential threat to democracy.”
“Joe and I respect our institutions, our traditions,” Biden said. “And it’s very important to me that they continue and we — what would be the point of nastiness?”
The exchange occurred after French First Lady Brigitte Macron left her seat between the first lady and Trump during the ceremony.
“I had a good meeting with your husband in the Oval Office,” Trump said to Biden, referencing his White House transition meeting with President Biden following his victory over Vice President Kamala Harris.
“Yes, because you’re both talkers,” the First Lady joked.
Trump later posted a photo of their interaction on Truth Social to promote his new luxury perfume and cologne line, writing “A fragrance your enemies can’t resist!”
French President Emmanuel Macron addressed the cathedral reopening after the exchange.
“I stand before you to express the gratitude of the French nation, our gratitude to all those who saved, helped and rebuilt the cathedral,” he said.
“Tonight we can together share joy and pride,” Macron continued. “Long live Notre-Dame de Paris, long live the Republic and long live France.”
The April 15, 2019 fire destroyed the cathedral’s spire and most of the roof. Firefighters preserved the main structure, bell towers and windows.
Trump appeared in another viral interaction last week, laughing with former President Barack Obama while at the late President Jimmy Carter’s funeral.
Take a look —
If you thought it was impossible for liberals to meltdown more wait until they see Trump and Obama yucking it up at Carter’s funeral
Obama laughing at jokes from the “Threat to Democracy!”
Wonder if they were laughing over DeSantis’s boots? 😂😂😂
— Steven 🇺🇸 (@SirStevenKJ) January 9, 2025
The Notre Dame ceremony marked the cathedral’s first reopening since the 2019 fire. World leaders and dignitaries from multiple nations attended the historic restoration.