Trump Greets French President Emmanuel Macron With 'Dominating' Handshake

Social media exploded over President-elect Trump's handshake with French President Emmanuel Macron during their Paris meeting on Saturday.

Trump traveled to France for the reopening of the Notre Dame Cathedral, his first trip abroad since winning the 2024 election. Before the event, he met Macron, and their handshake became an instant sensation online.

"President Trump is back to dominating world leaders with his handshake," wrote a user named George on X. "Macron is going to need a hand massage after all that twisting and pulling Trump did to him."

Commentator Drew Hernandez chimed in, "President Trump manhandles French President Emmanuel Macron with one of the most dominating handshakes I’ve ever seen. We are so back."

Colin Rugg recalled their past encounters, writing, "7 years later and the handshake battle continues between Donald Trump and Emmanuel Macron."

In 2017, during Trump’s first term, the two leaders had a famous 29-second handshake. They appeared to tug and pull as they walked with their wives, creating a moment that has stuck in people’s minds.

"The Trump-Macron handshake is hilarious," wrote author John Lefevre. "Because it happened twice. And you know Macron was told to prepare and probably practiced and then still got dominated."

Trump’s handshakes with leaders often go viral. In 2019, he made headlines for pulling Russian President Putin's arm during the G-20 Summit.

At the reopening ceremony, Trump joined other political figures, including first lady Jill Biden and Prince William, marking a notable international moment.