Emmanuel Macron recently visited President Trump in Washington, D.C.
Body Language Expert Analyzes Tense Handshake Between Trump and Macron
A body language expert has dissected the intense handshake exchange between Donald Trump and Emmanuel Macron during the French president’s visit to Washington, D.C.
Macron traveled nearly 4,000 miles from Paris to meet with Trump on February 24, where the two leaders tackled key issues—including the ongoing war in Ukraine. During their discussion, Trump claimed that Europe was merely “loaning money to Ukraine” and would eventually “get their money back,” unlike the United States. Macron, however, didn’t hesitate to correct him.
“No, in fact. To be frank, we paid,” Macron asserted. “We paid 60 percent of the total effort.”
Yet, even before the heated exchange, tensions were already brewing—from the very moment they met. As Macron arrived at the White House, Trump greeted him with his trademark firm (some might say aggressive) handshake. But the French president wasn’t about to be outmaneuvered. Instead of yielding to Trump’s display of dominance, Macron met the handshake with equal force, refusing to back down.
Their handshake—captured on camera—instantly became a focal point, symbolizing the power struggle between the two leaders.
Body Language Expert Dissects Awkward Handshake Between Trump and Macron
A body language expert has weighed in on the tense moment between Donald Trump and Emmanuel Macron, analyzing their awkward yet telling handshake.
Speaking on behalf of Spin Genie, expert Darren Stanton told UNILAD that Trump’s handshakes are notoriously forceful, often used as a display of dominance.
“When Trump shakes hands with politicians, it’s almost as though he crushes their hands,” Stanton explained. “His handshakes are always very dominating and strong.”
But Macron wasn’t about to be overpowered. As the two leaders shook hands, Trump pulled Macron toward him—but Macron countered by pulling Trump right back.
“It tells us neither of them wanted to appear weaker than the other in this exchange,” Stanton added, highlighting the subtle power struggle playing out in front of the cameras.
The intense moment only reinforced the underlying tension between the two leaders, who later clashed over Trump’s remarks about Europe’s financial support for Ukraine.
Power Play: Body Language Expert Dissects Tense Trump-Macron Handshake
The handshake between Donald Trump and Emmanuel Macron wasn’t just a greeting—it was a power struggle.
Body language expert Darren Stanton, speaking on behalf of Spin Genie, analyzed the moment, revealing the subtle yet intense battle for dominance.
“There is a huge sense of both of them wanting to assert power over the other,” Stanton observed.
Despite their public smiles, he noted that their interaction lacked authenticity.
“Trump and Macron don’t have the deepest connection from what I’ve seen. When they’re smiling at each other and the cameras, it doesn’t come across as very genuine. It seems to be a bit over the top.”
Adding to the tension, Macron appeared to show subtle signs of contempt—though Stanton emphasized that both leaders still maintain mutual respect.
“I can tell from the way they interact with each other that they both have a mutual respect for one another as politicians. They’re definitely both making a conscious effort.”
Their handshake, much like their political relationship, was a carefully calculated display—neither willing to back down.
Trump & Macron: A Power Struggle Disguised as Diplomacy
Body language expert Darren Stanton has given a revealing analysis of the tense handshake between Donald Trump and Emmanuel Macron, exposing the subtle power dynamics at play.
From the moment they clasped hands, it was clear neither leader wanted to appear weaker. Trump’s signature forceful grip and attempt to pull Macron toward him was met with equal resistance from the French president.
“There is a huge sense of both of them wanting to assert power over the other,” Stanton explained.
While the two smiled for the cameras, the expert noted that their body language told a different story.
“Trump and Macron don’t have the deepest connection. Their smiles seem a bit over the top rather than genuine.”
Macron, he added, displayed subtle signs of contempt, though both men appeared to maintain a level of mutual respect.
Stanton concluded: “Overall, they have a reasonable working relationship—they’re like colleagues, but they don’t have to be the closest. I think Trump tolerates people, and Macron is one of them.”
Their handshake may have been brief, but the power struggle behind it speaks volumes.
What do you think of the moment between the two?
