A handshake between former U.S. President Donald Trump and French President Emmanuel Macron has captured the world’s attention, sparking a flurry of reactions and debates. The video, shared by USA Today, shows the two leaders greeting each other during Macron’s visit to the White House, and it has since become a hot topic on social media.
The footage shows Macron stepping out of a black car, dressed in a sharp suit and dark tie, and being greeted by Trump, who wore a dark blue suit and light blue tie. The two leaders exchanged a firm handshake, gripping each other’s hands tightly while placing their free hands on each other’s arms. The handshake lasted longer than usual, with both men maintaining their grip as they posed for the cameras. Eventually, Trump released his hold, and Macron’s hand dropped to his side.
The video quickly went viral, with netizens sharing their thoughts on the interaction. Some described it as “powerful” and “epic,” while others found it overly intense. One user joked, “It’s turned into a sport,” while another commented, “That wasn’t a handshake; it was a wrestling match!” The playful banter continued as people speculated about the underlying dynamics between the two leaders.
During an interview with Fox News, Macron explained the purpose of his visit, emphasizing the importance of the U.S.-France relationship and the ongoing discussions about Russia and Ukraine. He described his trip as a gesture of friendship and a reaffirmation of the historical ties between the two nations. The interview clip, titled “French President Emmanuel Macron discusses his meeting with President Trump and Russia-Ukraine peace talks,” added context to the highly publicized handshake.
The meeting wasn’t all serious, though. A lighthearted moment between the two leaders was also captured on camera. Trump shared a humorous anecdote about a previous dinner he and Macron had at the Eiffel Tower. “We didn’t have an interpreter, so he started speaking in French, and I just kept nodding, saying ‘yes, yes, yes.’ The next day, I read the papers and realized he’d sold me out!” Trump joked, eliciting laughter from the media and Macron himself. The two presidents then engaged in a playful exchange, tapping each other on the arm and sharing a laugh.
While the meeting appeared cordial, it contrasted with a recent decision by the Trump administration that raised eyebrows. Earlier in February, the White House barred an Associated Press (AP) reporter from covering an Oval Office event. The move came after the AP refused to comply with an executive order renaming the Gulf of Mexico as the “Gulf of America.” The administration’s decision was widely criticized as an attack on press freedom, with AP Executive Editor Julie Pace calling it “disturbing” and a violation of the First Amendment.
White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt defended the decision, stating that access to the Oval Office was a privilege, not a right. She emphasized the administration’s commitment to accurate reporting and reiterated that the Gulf of Mexico’s new name was now official. The controversy added a layer of tension to an otherwise lighthearted visit, highlighting the complexities of Trump’s relationship with the media.
The handshake between Trump and Macron may have been brief, but it left a lasting impression. Whether seen as a display of strength, a diplomatic gesture, or simply a moment of camaraderie, it underscored the unique dynamics between two of the world’s most prominent leaders. As the video continues to circulate online, it serves as a reminder of how even the smallest moments can capture the world’s attention.
