US President Donald Trump and French President Emmanuel Macron engaged in a tense handshake exchange during a political summit in Egypt. The two leaders, known for their fluctuating relationship, shared a prolonged hand-holding moment at the summit in Sharm El Sheikh. Lip reader Nicola Hickling suggested that the exchange included subtle warnings and accusations before the leaders opted for a private discussion.
During the summit co-hosted by Trump and Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi, which aimed to promote peace in the Gaza Strip and enhance Middle East stability, the interaction between Macron and Trump drew attention. The event was attended by twenty world leaders, excluding Israeli officials and Hamas representatives.
Hickling noted that the handshake between Macron and Trump displayed a form of theatrical diplomacy involving a power struggle through physical touch. Macron’s gestures indicated an attempt to de-escalate the situation, while Trump’s conflicting verbal and non-verbal cues suggested a mix of friendly gestures and control assertion.
The disagreement between the two leaders stemmed from differing views on Palestinian statehood, with Trump criticizing Macron’s support for Palestine following an Oct. 7 terror attack. Macron emphasized the need for a different approach to address the Gaza conflict, pointing out the role of the US in supplying weapons for the war.
The clash between Trump and Macron highlighted their ongoing diplomatic differences, with Macron questioning the effectiveness of certain strategies and emphasizing the need for a shift in approach to promote peace in the region.