Skip to content
Search AI Powered

Latest Stories

Pete Buttigieg Responded To The Notre-Dame Fire In Flawless French, Because Of Course He Did

Pete Buttigieg Responded To The Notre-Dame Fire In Flawless French, Because Of Course He Did
Craig F. Walker/The Boston Globe via Getty Images, @ilaosinatlanta/Twitter

Though the cultural symbol of Paris was engulfed in flames from Monday's horrific fire, Notre Dame cathedral still stands with the iconic dual bell towers intact.

Democratic 2020 presidential candidate Pete Buttigieg expressed his condolences and solidarity with Paris in the wake of the devastating conflagration.

The current mayor of South Bend, Indiana, who can speak seven languages, spoke to a reporter from a French-language station BFM TV, in French.


Just when we thought we couldn't love him more, Buttigieg impressed us with this worldly response.


Roughly translated, Mayor Pete said:

"To the people of France, I would like to say that Notre Dame Cathedral was like a gift to the human race. We share in the pain but we also thank you for this gift to civilization."

Many recognized his compassion in addressing the people of France in their native tongue.



Buttigieg's response was compared to that of Donald Trump's tweet in which he suggested Paris fire fighters should employ "flying water tankers."




It's a study of contrasts.





One user noted another leader who shares similar characteristics with Buttigieg.




Gérard Araud, the French ambassador to the U.S. thanked the South Bend mayor and congratulated him on his French.


Those who speak fluent French were impressed.




Later, Buttigieg posted a translation of what he told the French reporter and added a link to Aruad's tweet thanking him.



The French fire brigade said that experts will assess the damages to Notre Dame and "safeguard" the surviving bell towers and relics.

Emmanuel Macron vowed to rebuild the cathedral and announced he would launch an international fundraising campaign to help finance the cause.


Buttigieg is proficient in Norwegian, Spanish, Italian, Maltese, Arabic, Dari, and French. He taught himself Norwegian so he could read more about an author he admired.

The polyglot is also known as the "the millennial candidate," who joined the crowded Democratic field by kicking off his presidential campaign on Sunday.

The affable 37-year-old told the enthusiastic crowd:

"My name is Pete Buttigieg. They call me Mayor Pete. I am a proud son of South Bend, Indiana. And I am running for President of the United States."
"I recognize the audacity of doing this as a Midwestern millennial mayor. More than a little bold—at age 37—to seek the highest office in the land. ... But we live in a moment that compels us each to act."

The relative unknown from a month ago is quickly gaining in popularity, and "Boot Edge Edge" (the suggested pronunciation) has become a household name.

Pete Buttigieg, vous êtes une source d'inspiration pour nous tous. You are an inspiration to us all!

More from Trending

Tina Turner
Christian Charisius/picture alliance via Getty Images

A Massive Sculpture Of Tina Turner Was Just Unveiled—And It's Going Viral For All The Wrong Reasons

When it comes to entertainment legends, the late singer Tina Turner is right at the top of the pantheon.

And fittingly, the songstress' hometown of Brownsville, Tennessee, wanted to pay tribute to her legacy with giant statue of the icon.

Keep ReadingShow less
Ted Cruz; Marjorie Taylor Greene
(L-R) Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images

Ted Cruz Clashes With 'Crazy' MTG Over Her Cryptic Post Alluding That 'The Jews' Are Trying To Kill Her

Texas MAGA Republican Senator Rafael "Ted" Cruz raised eyebrows when he attacked Georgia QAnon/MAGA Republican Representative and conspiracy theorist Marjorie Taylor Greene (MTG) for being antisemitic.

MTG has promoted some antisemitic conspiracy theories in the past, like Jewish space lasers that control the weather or start wildfires, but this time people are calling Cruz out for reaching in an attempt to discredit the Georgia Republican and protect Trump from what's being concealed in FBI, Department of Justice, and court records relating to the indictment of Jeffrey Epstein on charges of sex trafficking of minors.

Keep ReadingShow less
​Screenshot of Zohran Mamdani; Donald Trump
CNN; Kevin Dietsch/Getty Images

Zohran Mamdani Claps Back After Trump Threatens To Withhold Federal Funding To NYC If He Becomes Mayor

Zohran Mamdani—the Democratic Socialist New York City mayoral candidate who stunned the establishment with a seismic win for progressives that has reverberated across the country—criticized President Donald Trump's threats to withhold federal funds if Mamdani wins November's election.

In a post on Truth Social, Trump called Mamdani a "New York City Communist" and said he "will prove to be one of the best things to ever happen to our great Republican Party."

Keep ReadingShow less
Gavin Newsom; Kid Rock
JP Yim/Getty Images for Clinton Global Initiative; Andrew Harnik/Getty Images

Gavin Newsom Epically Shuts Down Suggestion That Kid Rock Should Be Doing Super Bowl Halftime Show

Earlier this week, the NFL announced that worldwide superstar Bad Bunny would be the headliner for the 2026 Super Bowl Halftime Show, causing right-wing heads to explode over the news.

After far-right provocateur Nick Adams suggested that the singer, a fierce critic of the Trump administration, should not have been chosen for the halftime gig, California Governor Gavin Newsom's press office took to X to mock him in the account's now familiar Trump-esque style.

Keep ReadingShow less
One hand pouring pills into another.
person holding white round ornament

Absurd 'Cures' People With Chronic Illnesses Were Told To Try

Those suffering from a chronic illness often find themselves in over their heads with medication prescribed by their doctors.

Even so, many people add some homeopathic medications that won't be found at a pharmacy, but help them through their day-to-day lives.

Keep ReadingShow less