Donald Trump and French President Emmanuel Macron both sought to assert dominance during their meeting in Washington, engaging in a series of intense "death grip" handshakes, according to a body language expert.
As Macron arrived at the White House on Monday, February 24—coinciding with the third anniversary of Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine—the two leaders exchanged a firm handshake that set the tone for their interactions throughout the day. While maintaining outward cordiality, Macron was seen correcting Trump’s inaccurate claim that Europe is "loaning financial aid" to Ukraine by firmly grabbing his arm.
Body language expert Judi James analyzed their gestures, telling The Mirror that the repeated forceful handshakes were a clear power struggle. "This 'death grip' handshake and the accompanying power gestures suggest Trump is in classic form, using physical dominance to establish superiority over world leaders," she explained.
Macron, however, was no stranger to Trump's tactics. "He’s the one leader who has beaten Trump at his own game before," James noted. "His grip was once so fierce that Trump’s skin bore visible imprints of his fingers even after they let go."
During their encounter, Macron appeared to employ one of Trump’s signature moves—the "shake and yank" technique—where a handshake is suddenly pulled forcefully in one direction to throw the opponent off balance. "This particular shake seems symbolic of Trump’s approach to brokering peace: destabilizing his 'victims' as a way of taking control," James remarked.
The tension between the two leaders extended beyond their handshakes, particularly in their discussions on Russia’s war in Ukraine. When Trump suggested that Europe was using frozen Russian assets as collateral for loans to Ukraine, Macron quickly corrected him. "We have $230 billion in frozen Russian assets in Europe, but they do not belong to us—they are simply frozen," Macron clarified. Trump dismissed the explanation, replying, "If you believe that, it's OK with me. They get their money back, and we don’t. But now we do."
Macron continued to assert himself throughout the meeting, according to James. "At one point, Trump gave Macron a condescending pat on the shoulder—a classic parental-power move. Macron countered with a firm grip on Trump’s bicep, signaling resilience. He then placed his hand over their clasped hands, another sign of his desire for control."
The power struggle played out before the cameras, culminating in another prolonged handshake. "Trump clamps down on Macron’s hand for the ‘death grip,’ holding on for several seconds longer than usual," James observed. "The clasp looks more like a tense struggle, reinforcing the idea that both leaders were determined to dominate and defend their positions."
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