Trump, Macron’s 17-Second ‘Aggressive’ Handshake At Notre Dame Reopening Goes Viral | Watch

Last Updated:December 08, 2024, 11:46 IST

Trump and Macron’s 17-second handshake in Paris didn’t break their previous record of 29 seconds during a 2017 event.

French President Emmanuel Macron shakes hands with U.S. President-elect Donald Trump | Image/X

US President-elect Donald Trump and French President Emmanuel Macron shared an intense ’17-second’ handshake during the reopening event of the Notre Dame Cathedral on Saturday, evoking memories of their earlier exchange seven years ago during Trump’s first term.

In Paris for the reopening of the Notre Dame Cathedral, Trump arrived at the Elysee Palace almost 40 minutes late, marking his first international trip since securing a second presidential term on a rocky note.

The leaders’ “aggressive” handshake on the palace steps was a show of strength, with Trump pulling Macron’s hand toward 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 didn’t break their previous record of 29 seconds during a 2017 event.

Trump and Macron were again found shaking hands in front of Notre Dame. Trump extended his hands first, which netizens called a “bro handshake”. The handshake was accompanied by the tug and pull move, a signature move for him since first becoming the US President in 2016 that’s been a defining part of his diplomatic handshakes.

Despite the display, both leaders emphasised mutual respect. Macron, who hosted Trump’s first in-person meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, described his visit as a “great honour for the French people.”

The Notre Dame Cathedral reopening came five years after a massive fire broke out at the iconic place. Several dignitaries attended the reopening of the historic church in France.