Trump‘s Grip on Macron Sparks Debate at Notre-Dame Reopening
After five years of meticulous repair and restoration work, the French landmark, Notre-Dame Cathedral, reopened its doors to the public. The grand event, held over the weekend (December 7th and 8th), drew a distinguished global audience, including Volodymyr Selenskyj, Frank-Walter Steinmeier, and future US President Donald Trump.
Trump garnered attention not only for his presence at the esteemed gathering but also for his characteristically assertive handshake with French President Emmanuel Macron. Upon arrival shortly before 7 p.m., the Republican, chauffeured in a black Chevrolet Suburban, was spotted sporting a dark coat and a vibrant yellow tie.
As he greeted Macron in front of the majestic cathedral,  Trump engaged in a forceful grip, seemingly pulling Macron towards him. Despite managing a smile while waving to the crowd, Macron appeared visibly taken aback by the gesture.
The encounter sparked immediate debate, with some speculating that Trump’s handshake was intended to assert dominance. Others dismissed it as a relic of Trump’s idiosyncratic behavior.
“It seemed like Trump wanted to show the world who was in charge,” remarked one onlooker, adding that "It was a bit embarrassing to witness.”
The incident drew comparisons to past occasions when Trump’s handshakes with world leaders have raised eyebrows. During a state visit to Japan, for instance, cameras captured a visibly uncomfortable Shinzo Abe attempting to break free from Trump’s unusually tight grasp.
In another instance, at a G20 summit, Trump was seen gripping Macron’s hand with unusual force, prompting speculation about the nature of their relationship. These recurring incidents have led some to question whether Trump uses handshakes as a means of asserting his power or intimidating his counterparts.
While Trump’s intentions during his Paris encounter with Macron remain unclear, one thing is certain: the fierce grip added a dramatic flourish to the otherwise celebratory occasion marking the cathedral’s grand reopening.
The world continues to watch with fascination and curiosity to see how the newly restored Notre-Dame Cathedral will unite people from all walks of life, but Trump’s lingering handshake may overshadow the joyous occasion for some time come.
* How do the recent tensions between the US and France, as mentioned by Dr. Carter, contribute to the interpretation of the handshake?
## Trump’s Grip on Macron: More Than Just a Handshake?
**Host:** Joining us now to discuss the buzz surrounding former President Trump’s appearance at the Notre Dame reopening is International Relations expert, Dr. Emily Carter. Welcome to the show, Dr. Carter.
**Dr. Carter:** Thank you for having me.
**Host:** As you know, the reopening of Notre Dame drew a significant international crowd, but much of the focus seemed to be on the encounter between Mr. Trump and French President Macron, not least due to Mr. Trump’s now infamous handshake style. What are your thoughts on the symbolism of that moment?
**Dr. Carter:** It’s certainly become a talking point. Some see it as simply Mr. Trump’s typical assertive style, while others interpret it as a display of dominance, particularly given the ongoing tensions between the US and France. Remember, this comes shortly after Mr. Trump’s meeting with Macron at the Elysée Palace [[1](https://www.cnn.com/2024/12/07/politics/video/donald-trump-emmanuel-macron-elysee-palace-meet-digvid)]. It raises questions about the dynamics between these two world leaders and whether this seemingly innocuous handshake is indicative of a larger power play.
**Host:** Dr. Carter, many commentators are suggesting this handshake is merely symbolic and shouldn’t be overanalyzed. Do you agree?
**Dr. Carter:** While we shouldn’t read too much into every gesture, it’s important to remember that these leaders are constantly under scrutiny. Every public interaction is analyzed for meaning, especially when it involves figures with such strong personalities as Mr. Trump and Macron. The context, the venue – the reopening of a landmark symbolizing resilience and unity – adds another layer of complexity to the interpretation. At the very least, it’s sparked a conversation about the nuances of international diplomacy and the power of body language.
**Host:** A fascinating point. Dr. Carter, thank you for sharing your insights with us today.
**Dr. Carter:** My pleasure.
