Trump’s ‘power’ handshake with Emmanuel Macron gets Internet talking: ‘Clear sign of showing dominance’

PARIS, FRANCE: President-elect Donald Trump's awkward handshake with French President Emmanuel Macron on Saturday, December 7, went viral on the social media platform X, with many considering it to be a "power move," according to the Daily Mail.

The two leaders met in Paris, where Trump was among those invited to attend the reopening ceremony of the iconic Notre Dame Cathedral that was ravaged by a devastating fire in 2019.

At the time, Trump was serving his first term in the White House and reportedly suggested "flying water tankers" to be used to put out the fire swiftly. French officials replied soon afterward, stating that they were using "all means" to control the damage "except for water-bombing aircrafts which, if used, could lead to the collapse of the entire structure of the cathedral."

Donald Trump's handshake with Emmanuel Macron

In his latest visit, Donald Trump shook Emmanuel Macron's hand for the first time at his official residence. The gesture in which he clasped the French leader's hand is described as "bizarre" by the Daily Mail, an opinion seconded by many people on social media.

A second handshake took place at Notre Dame and reportedly lasted even longer. The two leaders tightly clasped each other's hands and appeared to be locked in a tussle as they jerked their arms back and forth.

Notably, in 2017, Trump and Macron had exchanged an equally awkward handshake in front of the press where Trump attempted to pull away only for the French president to tighten his grip.

The trip to Paris marks Trump's first international visit since winning the 2024 general election. While accepting the invitation the previous week, he praised Macron for doing "a wonderful job ensuring that Notre Dame has been restored to its full level of glory, and even more so".

Outgoing President Joe Biden was also invited to the event, but could not attend according to a scheduling conflict. The White House announced First Lady Jill Biden represented the United States in his stead.

Internet reacts to Donald Trump and Emmanuel Macron's handshake

Netizens were greatly intrigued by the way Donald Trump shook hands with Emmanuel Macron during his recent visit to Paris. The following tweets demonstrate their takes.

"Trump teaching Macron the art of the firm handshake - because nothing says diplomacy like crushing your counterpart's bones," wrote a user.

"That’s not a handshake, that’s a checkmate," quipped another.

"This handshake 🤝 is a clear sign of how you show dominance. Trump shows strength, power, and control. While keeping grace, honor, and integrity. America is back, baby!" expressed a third.

"President Trump is back to dominating world leaders with his handshake," noted a fourth.

"President Trump manhandles French President Emmanuel Macron with one of the most dominating handshakes I’ve ever seen. We are so back," shared another

However, not everyone was enamored by Trump, as one user wrote, "Donald Trump's cringe azz 'strongman' handshake with French President Emmanuel Macron shows he's a tiny man."

"For the love of handshakes…that is THE MOST PATHETIC attempt at intimidation in the history of attempted 'handshake intimidation.'" claimed yet another.

This article contains remarks made on the Internet by individual people and organizations. MEAWW cannot confirm them independently and does not support claims or opinions being made online.