US President-elect Donald Trump and French President Emmanuel Macron shared an intense series of handshakes on Saturday, reminiscent of the white-knuckled grip-off that marked a meeting between the two leaders more than seven years ago.
Visiting Paris to attend the reopening of Notre-Dame Cathedral, Trump was greeted by Macron at the steps of the Elysee Palace. It was Trump’s first foreign trip since winning the November 5 US election.
Paris rematch: Trump and Macron shake hands at the Elysee Palace on Saturday.Credit: Getty Images
Exiting his vehicle, Trump pulled Macron’s right hand towards his body as the two hugged and gripped each other with clenched fists, shaking firmly back and forth. While friendly, it appeared both men were holding on tight.
As they ascended the steps of the palace and turned again towards the cameras, Trump positioned his hand above Macron’s and pushed down firmly as they locked hands for a second time.
The sequence triggered approval from some Trump supporters online, who saw in the president-elect’s actions a concerted attempt to intimidate Macron.
“President Trump is back to dominating world leaders with his handshake,” an account going by the username @BehizyTweets posted on the social media platform X.
“Macron is going to need a hand massage after all that twisting and pulling Trump did to him.”
The two leaders are known for their at-times physical interactions.Credit: Bloomberg
- For more: Elrisala website and for social networking, you can follow us on Facebook
- Source of information and images “brisbanetimes”“
