Trump and Brigitte Macron’s lengthy G7 greeting sparks fresh buzz

KANANASKIS, CANADA: Donald Trump's interaction with French First Lady Brigitte Macron at the Group of Seven summit has become one of the most talked-about moments from the gathering after a lip reader claimed to have deciphered part of their conversation.

The exchange took place during a photo-op before a working dinner on Monday, June 15, when French President Emmanuel Macron and Brigitte Macron welcomed Trump onto a stage decorated with G7 branding.

While the event was intended to showcase world leaders gathering for diplomatic discussions, much of the attention quickly shifted to Trump's unusually warm greeting with France's first lady.

Donald Trump and Brigitte Macron's greeting draws attention at G7 summit

The interaction began with Trump greeting Emmanuel Macron before turning his attention to Brigitte Macron.

According to lip reader Nicola Hickling, Trump first addressed the French president by saying, “I'm ready for tonight.”

After taking Macron's hand, Trump reportedly gave it a firm squeeze and responded with a simple “pleasure.” 

The greeting became more notable when Trump turned toward Brigitte Macron.

According to Hickling's interpretation, Trump greeted her by saying, “Hello, sweetheart.”

Brigitte Macron was then said to have responded with “Happy birthday.”

The pair exchanged a warm embrace and shared a double-cheek kiss, a common greeting in many European countries. However, it was not the kiss that captured the most attention online.

Instead, viewers focused on a lengthy handshake between Trump and Brigitte Macron that lasted roughly 14 seconds and quickly became a talking point on social media.

Some observers felt the handshake looked unusually prolonged, while others focused on the body language between the two leaders and the French first lady.

Body language experts weigh in on Emmanuel Macron's role during the interaction

Body language expert Judi James offered her interpretation of the encounter, suggesting Emmanuel Macron appeared eager to join the exchange.

“Macron clapped Trump on the arm in a gesture of friendship and looked keen to engage in something a little more like a bonding ritual, but Trump slid straight past him to engage with Brigitte with a much warmer show of enthusiasm and affection, throwing his arms out with his mouth open to lean in and kiss her on both cheeks,” James said.

She also described Macron as trying to stay involved as the greeting continued.

“Macron looked desperate to join in here, clapping Trump on the back and smiling as he squeezed himself in between as they stood in a close huddle,” she added.

The interaction continued even after the official photographs were taken.

According to observers, Trump briefly released Brigitte Macron's hand before taking it again as the group stepped away from the stage.

Aaron Rupar, a liberal journalist, compared the lengthy exchange to a “tug of war,” a description that quickly gained attention online.

James also pointed to another moment that stood out.

“As Macron went to usher Trump towards the tent, Trump held onto Brigitte's hand, even walking away holding hands with her while Macron danced attendance behind them,” she said.

Trump's past comments about Brigitte Macron return to spotlight

The viral moment has also renewed attention on Trump's previous remarks about the French first lady.

Over the years, Trump has publicly commented on both Emmanuel Macron and Brigitte Macron several times.

In April, he referenced a viral clip from the previous year that appeared to show Brigitte Macron slapping her husband.

“I called up France, Macron, whose wife treats him extremely badly, (he is) still recovering from the right to the jaw,” Trump joked at the time.

The remark drew criticism from Emmanuel Macron, who later responded by saying Trump's comments “weren't elegant, and they weren't up to par.”

That same month, Trump also publicly defended Brigitte Macron against conspiracy theories promoted by some of his supporters.

“'Crazy' Candace Owens, who accuses the Highly Respected First Lady of France of being a man, when she is not, and will hopefully win lots of money in the ongoing lawsuit,” Trump wrote.

He went even further in praising Brigitte Macron.

“Actually, to me, the First Lady of France is a far more beautiful woman than Candace; in fact, it's not even close!”

The French first lady and Emmanuel Macron later filed a defamation lawsuit against Owens over claims regarding her gender.