_Macron and Trump

Macron and Trump (Credit: X and AP)

Several memorable moments from Pope Francis’ funeral on Saturday sparked widespread attention, with US President Donald Trump at the center of many conversations. The 78-year-old president drew both intrigue and controversy for his outfit choice and his high-profile meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. One particularly viral moment involved French President Emmanuel Macron seemingly snubbing a handshake from Trump.
Trump and Macron held a private meeting without aides in St. Peter’s Basilica before Pope Francis’ funeral began on Saturday. As the two leaders gathered for the impromptu chat outside the Baptistry Chapel, French President Macron joined them for a quick word. As he approached the duo, Macron first shook Zelenskyy’s hand, but when he turned to Trump, the US president extended his hand in an apparent gesture for a handshake.

However, Macron seemingly snubbed Trump, turning away, leaving Trump’s hand hanging in the air. After the awkward moment, Trump and Zelenskyy huddled together for a brief discussion, followed by a more private conversation between the two leaders.

However, Trump and Macron exchanged a handshake later during the “sign of peace” at the funeral mass.

History Of Trump-Macron Handshakes

President Trump and Macron have a history of interesting handshakes. During their first meeting in 2017, their initial handshake at a NATO summit became a viral moment when Macron gripped Trump’s hand so firmly that the US president was visibly uncomfortable, twisting his hand out of the French leader’s grasp twice.

Their handshake dynamic was again on display in a meeting in February this year, which saw the two exchanging awkward hugs, knee touches, and slaps on each other’s backs.

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