When French President Emmanuel Macron met with US President Donald Trump at the White House, the event wasn’t just about political discussions—it also became a display of subtle power dynamics.
The two leaders, known for their tense interactions, were engaged in what body language expert Judi James described as “handshake martial arts.”
The Start of the Encounter: Macron Takes Control of the Handshake
Their meeting began with an uncomfortable, extended handshake.
Macron’s approach was calculated, flipping Trump’s signature “Shake and Yank” move back on him.
According to James, Macron strategically placed his left hand over Trump’s to show control, then yanked Trump backward in a way that made the American President lean forward.
This unexpected move destabilized Trump, a move that was more of a physical tussle than a mutual show of respect.
Macron’s ability to control the handshake immediately set the tone for the rest of their interactions.
Inside the Oval Office: Trump’s Attempt at Reasserting Dominance
The second encounter took place inside the Oval Office, where things got even more awkward.
Trump attempted to regain some control by placing his hand on Macron’s knee, which James described as a “containment gesture.” The move came across as overly familiar and parental, but Macron didn’t let it slide.
He placed his hand on top of Trump’s, flipping the situation once again in his favor.
This unusual dynamic added another layer to the ongoing game of dominance, as Macron demonstrated that he was not one to be easily controlled.
Macron’s Direct Challenge: Correcting Trump During the Press Conference
During their joint press conference, Macron raised eyebrows by correcting Trump, who had made a misleading claim about Europe’s aid to Ukraine. The body language here spoke volumes.
James pointed out that Macron’s raised hand and authoritative gesture were a clear display of superiority.
The raised index finger and the correction came across as a power move, signaling that Macron was not afraid to assert his position, even in front of the press.
Trump, however, seemed to take it in stride, offering a grin and a gesture of disagreement but not pressing further.
The Final Gesture: The Warrior Handshake at the White House
Their final exchange in the White House was arguably the most intense.
As they clasped hands in front of the cameras, James noted that it resembled a “warrior ritual,” with both leaders engaging in a physical display of toughness.
The handshake, complete with some juddering and strong grips, was meant to signify dominance and physical power.
It was clear that both men wanted to project an image of strength and superiority as they prepared to sit down for important discussions.
Symbolism Behind the Handshakes: The Return of Alpha Displays in Global Politics
James observed that the series of handshakes between the two leaders pointed to a larger trend in global politics—the return of power projection through physical displays of dominance.
In a time when intellectual and diplomatic leadership is needed more than ever, the handshake battles suggested a shift back to “alpha male” leadership.
This notion, although outdated, seemed to play a significant role in their interaction.
For Macron, the handshakes were also a reminder of his earlier victory over Trump during their first meeting in 2017, where his firm grip had left a lasting impression on the American leader.
As the world leaders engaged in their handshake battle, it wasn’t just about the physical contact—it was about sending a message.
Macron’s ability to dominate in these moments shows how important body language has become in international diplomacy, especially when it comes to power dynamics.
The long handshake rituals and subtle gestures will undoubtedly be remembered as part of the larger narrative of world leaders trying to assert their strength, particularly in an era where the fate of global politics seems to rest in their hands.