Donald Trump and Emmanuel Macron were involved in a tense handshake exchange during an event marking the conclusion of the Israel-Hamas conflict. The two leaders, along with other dignitaries, convened in Egypt to discuss peace initiatives in the Middle East. During a photo session, Trump, aged 79, and Macron, aged 47, engaged in a prolonged handshake that seemed to convey a struggle for dominance.
A professional lip reader observed the interaction and suggested that both leaders exchanged subtle threats before agreeing to continue their conversation privately. Macron appeared to suggest moving the discussion behind closed doors, to which Trump responded with a cryptic statement. This back-and-forth dialogue hinted at underlying tensions between the two leaders, with Trump eventually challenging Macron to take action.
The encounter between Trump and Macron was part of a summit co-hosted by Trump and Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi, aimed at resolving the conflict in the Gaza Strip and fostering peace and stability in the region. The gathering saw the participation of twenty world leaders, including representatives from Qatar, Palestine, Turkey, Spain, the United Kingdom, Italy, Norway, the United Nations, and the European Council.
Notably, Israeli officials and Hamas representatives were absent from the summit. The interaction between Macron and Trump highlighted a history of theatrical diplomacy characterized by power dynamics through physical touch. The repeated and prolonged handshake between the two leaders symbolized a struggle for dominance and conciliation, reflecting their past encounters.
According to the lip reader, Macron’s attempt to disengage from the handshake signaled a desire to de-escalate the situation, contrasting with Trump’s assertive stance. The mismatch between Trump’s verbal exchanges and body language further underscored the complexity of their interaction.