A body language expert has weighed in with their analysis of Emmanuel Macron and Donald Trump’s handshake. The expert’s reflections come after netizens reacted to seeing the moment via online video footage.
Darren Stanton, a body language expert, recently spoke to the media outlet UNILAD about the meeting between US President Donald Trump and French President Emmanuel Macron. Stanton unveiled the potential meaning behind the widely discussed handshake shared between the two presidents, which was dubbed “intense.”
French President Emmanuel Macron and US President Donald Trump during their meeting in the Oval Office of the White House in Washington, D.C., on February 24, 2025. | Source: Getty Images
“When Trump shakes hands with politicians, it’s almost as though he crushes their hands. His handshakes are always very dominant and strong. As Trump shook Macron’s hand, we saw him pulling Macron towards him—and Macron pulled Trump towards him too,” Stanton revealed. He added that this handshake signified the desire of both presidents to appear strong and equal.
Donald Trump and Emmanuel Macron shaking hands. | Source: Getty Images
Stanton also deemed the exchange as a way for Macron and Trump to “assert power over the other.” The expert even spoke about his belief that even when the two political figures would smile at each other and the cameras, it did not come across as genuine and appeared over the top.
“I can also see signals of feelings of slight contempt coming from Macron. However, I can tell from the way they interact with each other that they both have a mutual respect for one another as politicians,” observed the expert.
Donald Trump and Emmanuel Macron smiling and shaking hands. | Source: Getty Images
Although Stanton noted how the two don’t share the closest connection, he acknowledged that both presidents have a “reasonable working relationship,” adding, “I think Trump tolerates people and Macron is one of them.” More details on the story will follow shortly.
