A firm handshake and a heated debate—Donald Trump and Emmanuel Macron’s latest Oval Office encounter goes viral. Social media reacts to their intense interaction and Ukraine funding dispute.
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Trump & Macron’s Handshake: ‘Tug of War’ or ‘Manhandled’?
A seemingly routine handshake between former U.S. President Donald Trump and French President Emmanuel Macron outside the Oval Office has turned into a viral internet sensation. Social media users have been quick to analyze, debate, and joke about the moment, with some calling it a power struggle and others viewing it as a simple gesture blown out of proportion.
One X user wrote:
“France’s President Emmanuel Macron wasn’t gonna let that weakling Donald Trump try to yank him with his weird handshake. He went on the offense and yanked Donald Trump’s tiny hand first.”
Another posted:
“Trump shows America is back on top with his dominant handshake in France. He basically manhandled Macron.”
The Trump-Macron handshake saga has been a recurring topic since their first meeting in 2017, when Macron famously gripped Trump’s hand tightly, refusing to let go first.
A Heated Debate Over Ukraine Aid
Beyond the handshake spectacle, tensions escalated during a joint press briefing when Macron interrupted Trump mid-sentence over Ukraine’s financial support from Europe.
🔥 The Exchange:
- Trump stated:“Europe is loaning the money to Ukraine and is getting their money back.”
- Macron interrupted, grabbing Trump’s hand:“No, in fact. To be frank, we paid. We paid 60% of the total effort.”
The moment ignited further debate online, with some applauding Macron’s fact-checking, while others found it disrespectful to the host.
A critic of Trump tweeted:
“Embarrassing picture for the US; Macron is fact-checking Trump. Can’t Trump get his info straight? Weren’t Presidents of the US once supposed to receive accurate information?”
Another user praised Macron:
“In an incredible moment in front of the world, President Macron brutally interrupted a Trump lie, fearlessly fact-checking him in real time. Watch Trump’s embarrassed expression. This is how it’s done.”
However, some defended Trump’s response:
“Love the interaction. At least Trump allowed this to be done to himself, a good sign. Not sure the old admin Trump would have responded so well.”
Trump-Macron Relationship: A History of Power Moves
The Trump-Macron dynamic has long been a mix of diplomatic cooperation and subtle rivalry.
- 2017 G7 Summit: Macron delivered a crushing handshake, later admitting it was a deliberate power move to show he wouldn’t be intimidated.
- 2018 Armistice Day: Trump skipped a cemetery visit in France, sparking criticism from Macron and others.
- 2020 NATO Summit: Macron challenged Trump’s stance on European defense spending, leading to a public disagreement.
The handshake incident and Ukraine debate only add to their long history of intense interactions, keeping their relationship under the global spotlight.
Final Thoughts: Power Play or Overreaction?
While some view this moment as symbolic of Macron’s assertiveness, others see it as a non-issue amplified by social media. Regardless of interpretation, one thing is clear—when Trump and Macron meet, the world watches.
What do you think? Was Macron asserting dominance, or was this just another overanalyzed handshake?
