Macron and Trump rekindle Le Bromance -- with a touch of tension
They hugged, they gripped hands, they touched knees and they backslapped. But they did not agree on everything.
French President Emmanuel Macron and U.S. President Donald Trump once again showcased their distinctive brand of diplomatic camaraderie during their meeting on Monday, engaging in handshakes, embraces, and backslaps. However, their warm rapport could not mask their disagreements, particularly regarding the ongoing war in Ukraine.
Their meeting in the Oval Office was marked by a rare moment of interruption when Macron, breaking typical protocol, stopped Trump mid-sentence by touching his arm. Trump had repeated his claim that Europe was merely loaning money to Ukraine, to which Macron interjected: “No, in fact, to be frank, we paid 60 percent of the total effort—like the U.S.—in loans, guarantees, and grants.” Trump, smirking, responded, “If you believe that, it’s okay with me.”
Despite this point of contention, their interactions remained affectionate. Trump described Macron as a "smart customer," referencing an earlier conversation in Paris where the French leader’s remarks on a trade deal were different in private than in public. Macron laughed heartily, gripping Trump’s hand and even appearing to wipe away a tear of mirth.
Their mutual admiration was on full display as they entered the West Wing, embracing and exchanging another firm handshake. During a joint press conference, they paused between their statements for yet another handshake, with Macron praising their “friendship from your first term” and Trump lauding Macron’s efforts in restoring Notre-Dame Cathedral. Trump concluded by saying, “Say hello to your beautiful wife.”
Macron and Trump have long been known for using body language as a tool in their diplomatic exchanges. Since their first meeting in 2017, Macron has countered Trump’s famously overpowering handshakes with assertive grips of his own. Their infamous first handshake in Brussels that year left Trump’s knuckles visibly marked from Macron’s intense hold.
In 2018, Macron’s charm offensive continued when Trump practically dragged him into the Oval Office. However, their personal bond did not sway Trump’s decisions—he withdrew the U.S. from the Paris climate agreement and the Iran nuclear deal, despite Macron’s efforts.
After Trump's reelection in November 2024, Macron wasted no time re-engaging with the American leader. Trump eagerly accepted Macron’s invitation to the reopening of Notre-Dame in December, marking his first major international appearance post-election. True to form, the two leaders engaged in another prolonged handshake—this time lasting an astonishing 17 seconds.
British journalist Piers Morgan, a longtime Trump confidant, observed Macron’s adept handling of the former president. “No world leader handles Trump as well as Macron—friendly but firm, respectful but unafraid to challenge him. And Trump respects him for it,” Morgan wrote on X.
This article was reported by journalist Jimmy.