The 26-Second Grip: Trump and Macron's Handshake Becomes a Diplomatic Showdown

CAIRO, EGYPT – All eyes were on the podium at the Gaza Strip peace agreement ceremony, but the most intense negotiations weren't happening at the table—they were happening between the palms of two world leaders. US President Donald Trump and French President Emmanuel Macron engaged in a highly scrutinized handshake that lasted a remarkable 26 seconds, transforming a simple diplomatic greeting into a public spectacle of non-verbal power.

The footage, quickly circulated across global news agencies and viral platforms, captured the familiar intensity of a Trump handshake. It began with a vigorous, almost full-body engagement, punctuated by firm interlocking grips and sustained, unblinking eye contact from both men.

The Duel of Dominance

As the seconds ticked by, exceeding all norms of diplomatic courtesy, the scene evolved into what many commentators swiftly labeled a "grip of war" or a "handshake wrestle." The tension was palpable as President Macron attempted to initiate a retreat, signaling an end to the greeting.

However, President Trump maintained his iron grip. Macron was unable to withdraw his hand, illustrating a visible diplomatic impasse. To finally secure his release, the French President was compelled to employ a tactical counter-move: he placed his free hand firmly onto President Trump’s forearm. This "forearm clutch" served as a deliberate physical intervention, a clear signal to break the dominant hold and terminate the increasingly awkward interaction.

The incident instantly drew comparisons to high-stakes political theater rather than standard protocol. Analysts suggested that Trump utilizes these physical exchanges as a tool of psychological diplomacy, testing the resolve of his counterparts even in the opening moments of a meeting.

A History of Grips: Macron and Trump's Power Play

For both leaders, this 26-second episode was simply the latest chapter in their long-running, highly physical relationship:

• The 29-Second Record: Their first memorable handshake in 2017 set an informal record, stretching to an even longer 29 seconds, establishing the dynamic of their competitive engagement.

• The Indented Thumb: A 2018 meeting featured a grip of such extraordinary pressure that President Macron’s thumb print was later reported to be visibly indented on Trump's hand, a powerful visual metaphor for the forceful nature of their interactions.

This recurring pattern confirms that President Trump views the handshake not merely as a formality, but as an opportunity for an upfront, non-verbal display of strength and authority, making every meeting a moment of intense political theatre.