When French President Emmanuel Macron and former U.S. President Donald Trump met at the White House to discuss critical global issues, their greeting wasn’t just a typical handshake—it was a display of dominance and power.
Body language experts quickly noticed that their interaction was far from a friendly gesture, with both men seemingly using their handshake as a way to assert their strength and authority.
Macron’s Dominance in the First Round of Handshake Martial Arts
The world has seen many awkward encounters between Macron and Trump, particularly when it comes to their infamous “death grip” handshakes.
This time, their greeting seemed to be an intentional power play.
According to body language expert Judi James, Macron made the first strategic move in this handshake duel by flipping Trump’s signature “Shake and Yank” technique.
Macron reportedly took control of the handshake by slapping his left hand over Trump’s, then yanking backward, causing Trump to lean forward slightly.
This move disrupted Trump’s typical stance and reasserted Macron’s dominance, according to James.
The tension was palpable as the handshake stretched for several seconds longer than usual, with both men gripping each other firmly as they posed for cameras.
Inside the Oval Office: Trump’s Failed Attempt at Reasserting Power
The power struggle didn’t end there. Inside the Oval Office, the dynamic shifted once again.
Trump attempted to establish his physical dominance by placing a hand on Macron’s knee—a gesture that James described as a “containment” move.
However, Macron quickly countered by placing his own hand on top of Trump’s, turning the gesture into a new kind of clasp.
This back-and-forth marked the second round of their handshake showdown.
James noted that their exchange, despite the physical contact, didn’t convey friendship.
Instead, it resembled the intense stare-downs between boxers before a fight, where each man subtly communicated his intention to remain the dominant force in the room.
A Final Display of Power During the Press Conference
The power dynamics between the two leaders were further revealed during the press conference in the Oval Office.
Macron didn’t shy away from correcting Trump when he made an inaccurate statement about European aid to Ukraine.
In response, Macron raised his hand with an authoritative gesture to stop Trump, signaling a clear attempt to assert intellectual superiority.
Trump, however, seemed to take it in stride, responding with a grin and a casual gesture of disagreement.
James explained that this moment was key in signaling who was in control of the conversation.
Macron’s raised finger and Trump’s reluctant response painted a picture of a leader who wasn’t afraid to challenge his counterpart, even in a delicate diplomatic setting.
The Final Handshake: A Warrior Ritual
Their final physical exchange at the White House was a moment of pure masculinity—a “warrior ritual,” according to James.
As the two men clasped hands firmly at the lecterns, the physical tension between them was evident.
The powerful grip and the brief “juddering” of their bodies conveyed a message of strength, with both men eager to demonstrate their physical dominance before entering the meeting.
James observed that this type of interaction, focused on physical power and dominance, signals a shift in global politics toward “alpha male” displays of strength rather than diplomacy and empathy.
She suggested that this moment was symbolic of the growing trend of leadership defined by power rather than intellect or compassion.
A Power Struggle in the World’s Spotlight
This encounter between Macron and Trump serves as more than just a handshake; it’s a symbol of how global politics is increasingly shaped by displays of strength.
As James pointed out, Macron’s firm grip on Trump’s hand in their earlier encounters showed his readiness to challenge Trump’s physical dominance.
Their most recent meeting highlighted how both leaders continue to use body language as a tool to assert their authority, making it clear that, in the world of international diplomacy, power is just as important as policy.