The handshake 'contest' between Mr. Trump and Mr. Macron

On December 7, the media paid attention to the 'intense' handshakes between French President Emmanuel Macron and Mr. Donald Trump during his first foreign trip after Mr. Trump was re-elected as US President.

The eye-catching handshake in front of the Elysee Palace on December 7

Arriving in the French capital to attend the reopening ceremony of Notre Dame Cathedral on December 7, Mr. Donald Trump was welcomed and shook hands with French President Emmanuel Macron on the steps of the Elysee Palace. This is Mr. Trump's first foreign trip since being elected US President.

According to Reuters, as they got out of the car, Mr. Trump pulled Mr. Macron's right arm toward him while the two hugged and shook hands vigorously. The two appeared to be hugging each other while showing their friendliness.

As they walked up the steps of the presidential palace and turned back toward the press cameras, Mr Trump placed his hand on top of Mr Macron's and pressed hard as the two shook hands for a second time.

The intense handshake between the two men was welcomed by some Trump supporters online, who said Trump returned to the top of the world leadership with a strong handshake.

What happened in front of the Elysee Palace marked the return of the so-called "handshake rivalry" that had occurred between the two men in the past.

When Mr. Trump and Mr. Macron first met before the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) summit in Brussels, Belgium, in May 2017, each squeezed the other's hand so tightly that their knuckles turned white.

The first handshake between the two after Mr. Trump was re-elected President of the United States

Speaking to reporters afterwards, President Macron said it was not just a handshake, but a "moment of truth" to prove he would not be overwhelmed.

Mr. Trump and Mr. Macron shook hands again outside Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris on the night of December 7, although the handshake was not as long as their first meeting in 2017.

"The handshake war between Donald Trump and Emmanuel Macron continues. The handshake in front of Notre Dame Cathedral lasted 17 seconds, losing the previous record of 29 seconds (in 2017)," said social media influencer Collin Rugg.

Source: https://thanhnien.vn/cuoc-so-ke-bat-tay-cua-ong-trump-va-ong-macron-18524120810265232.htm