At the Gaza peace summit in Sharm El-Sheikh, Egypt, Donald Trump and Emmanuel Macron locked hands for nearly half a minute, engaging in a handshake spectacle that combined physical grip and a sharp verbal exchange, according to lip-reading expert Nicola Hickling.
Trump appeared to initiate by confirming Macron’s agreement with the deal, asking, “Nice to see you, so you agreed?” and then asked, “Is it genuine?” When Macron answered affirmatively, Trump said, “Okay, so now I want to know why. You hurt me. I already know. I am making peace.”
French President Macron gets absolutely dominated in a handshake by President Trump.
Trump is undefeated 🤣 pic.twitter.com/Ya8h2sFb7J
— Benny Johnson (@bennyjohnson) October 13, 2025
Attempting to ease tension, Macron said, “Let’s handle this behind closed doors,” but Trump replied pointedly, “I only hurt the other.” Macron then issued a veiled warning: “We will see about that. You will see what is about to happen,” to which Trump confidently challenged, “I’d like to see you do it.”
The handshake delighted social media users, becoming viral for its intensity and theatricality, emblematic of the rivalry and rivalry-laden respect between the two leaders.
