Grip, Grin, Repeat: Trump And Macron's Handshake Saga Steals The Spotlight! - WATCH

The peculiar tradition of awkward handshakes between US President-elect Donald Trump and French President Emmanuel Macron took centre stage yet again, sparking a wave of humour online.

The latest instalment of their handshake saga unfolded during Trump's visit to Paris for the reopening ceremony of the iconic Notre Dame Cathedral.

Photo Credit: X

The 10-Second Grip That Had Everyone Talking

As Trump arrived in France for his first international trip since winning the 2024 US presidential election against Kamala Harris, Macron greeted him with a handshake that lasted a full 10 seconds. Trump, known for his assertive handshake style, firmly gripped Macron's hand, shaking it with gusto.

What made the moment even more amusing was Macron's attempt to pull away from Trump's hold, which only brought him closer to a photo opportunity. Even as the cameras clicked, the two leaders maintained their grip, eventually walking into the Élysée Palace together.

A History of Awkward Handshakes

This handshake is far from the first in a series of memorable interactions between the two leaders. Their handshake history dates back to Trump's first term in office, from 2017 to 2020, and has been marked by prolonged grips and apparent displays of dominance.

In 2017, a handshake between the two leaders became a viral moment when Trump attempted to release his hand, but Macron tightened his grip. Later that year, the two shared a record-breaking 29-second handshake that became a global talking point. By 2018, Macron had left a visible imprint on Trump's hand after yet another intense grip.

Netizens React

The internet was quick to pick up on the latest handshake episode, flooding social media with jokes and memes. British television personality Piers Morgan quipped on X (formerly Twitter), "I've missed the Trump-Macron arm-wrestles." Another user joked, "Welcome to the latest round of the Trump/Macron handshake power struggle saga."

A Symbol of Their Relationship?

Whether seen as a lighthearted rivalry or a symbolic show of diplomatic dynamics, the Trump-Macron handshake saga has become a hallmark of their interactions. With Trump back on the global stage, it seems this tradition is far from over, much to the amusement of onlookers worldwide.

As the handshake saga continues, it serves as a reminder that even the smallest gestures in diplomacy can have outsized cultural significance-and plenty of meme-worthy moments.