During a recent gathering in Egypt, US President Donald Trump and French President Emmanuel Macron engaged in a notably long handshake that lasted around 26 seconds. Initially, it seemed like a standard greeting, but halfway through, it evolved into something resembling an arm-wrestling match.
This extended handshake occurred as world leaders came together to mark the peace agreement Trump facilitated between Israel and Hamas.
Interestingly, this isn’t the first time the two leaders have shared a prolonged handshake. Back in 2017, when Trump visited France, they exchanged a handshake that clocked in at about 28 seconds and also had a unique grip that shifted midway.
At that time, Trump held Macron’s hand with one hand while clutching the hand of Macron’s wife with the other. Macron has previously commented on the significance of their handshakes, describing them as not simply innocent gestures but rather revealing moments that suggest deeper implications.
“Shaking hands with him is not innocent. This is not the final policy, but a moment of truth,” he remarked, reflecting on the dynamics of their relationship.
Macron has stressed the importance of making a stance, saying, “We have to show that we will not make small concessions, even if they are symbolic, but we must not exaggerate anything.”
