Trump and Macron’s 17-second handshake in Paris did not break their earlier record of 29 seconds when they met during a 2017 event.
US President-elect Donald Trump and French President Emmanuel Macron shared an intense ’17-second’ handshake during the reopening of the Notre Dame Cathedral on Saturday, evoking memories of their earlier exchange seven years ago during Trump’s first term.
Coming to Paris for the reopening of the Notre Dame Cathedral, Trump was going to the Elysee Palace nearly 40 minutes behind schedule. This marked his first international trip since securing a second presidential term on a decidedly rocky note.
The leaders’ handshake on the palace steps was a show of strength. Trump pulled Macron’s hand towards him as they exchanged firm, back-and-forth grips. At one point, Macron appeared to withdraw, but Trump held on tightly, pulling him closer for a photo.
However, their 17-second handshake in Paris did not break their previous record of 29 seconds set during a 2017 event.
Again, Trump and Macron were spotted shaking hands before Notre Dame. In this case, it was Trump who offered his hands first, which netizens called a “bro handshake.” During the handshake, he incorporated the tug-and-pull move, which he has done since his first election as the US President in 2016, as part of his typical diplomatic handshakes.
