'Hugs, handshakes and Ukraine tension': Donald Trump, Emmanuel Macron rekindle bromance at White House

French President Emmanuel Macron and US President Donald Trump revived their famously tactile diplomacy on Thursday, exchanging hugs, handshakes, and backslaps during their meeting. However, despite the warm gestures, the two leaders did not see eye to eye on every issue—particularly when it came to discussions on Ukraine.
The longstanding public camaraderie between the two leaders, evident since Trump's initial presidency, continued as Macron arrived for another meeting, though with underlying complexities.
During their Oval Office discussion, disagreements emerged regarding Trump's changed stance on Russia and Ukraine, despite Macron's attempt to maintain cordiality through physical gestures.
Macron and Trump on Europe 'extending loans' to Ukraine
In an unprecedented move for an Oval Office visitor, the French leader halted his 78-year-old counterpart mid-speech when Trump incorrectly stated that Europe was merely extending loans to Ukraine.
"No, in fact, to be frank" said Macron, touching his US counterpart's arm to stop him mid-sentence, "we paid 60 percent of the total effort and it was -- like the US -- loans, guarantees, grants."

Trump responded with a smirk, stating: "If you believe that, it's ok with me."
'Macron's a smart customer': Trump
Despite their divergent views on Ukraine, their personal rapport remained evident throughout the meeting.
"He's a smart customer," Trump remarked, tapping the 47-year-old's upper arm whilst recounting an incident in Paris where he discovered discrepancies between what the French leader had communicated in French about a trade agreement and what had been conveyed to him.

Trumps praises Macron speaking French
Macron responded by holding Trump's hand as they shared laughter, with Macron appearing to wipe away tears of amusement. Their arrival at the West Wing was marked by an embrace and a firm handshake.
Trump also responded to Macron speaking in French by praising the language, saying, “That is the most beautiful language… I have no idea what he said, but it is the most elegant, beautiful language.”

During their joint press conference, they paused after opening remarks to share another handshake and photo opportunity, whilst exchanging mutual admiration.
Macron spoke of their "friendship from your first term" as Trump praised the Frenchman's efforts in restoring the fire-damaged Notre-Dame cathedral. Trump concluded the press conference by sending regards to Macron's wife.
While diplomatic relations typically involve symbolic gestures, Macron and Trump have been particularly obvious in their use of physical interactions to establish presence.
At their joint media briefing after discussions, Macron emphasised that European countries need to strengthen their continental defence capabilities. However, he cautioned against yielding to Russian demands.
"This peace must not mean a surrender of Ukraine," Macron said. "It must not mean a ceasefire without guarantees. This peace must allow for Ukrainian sovereignty," he added.
First handshake occurred in Brussels
From their initial meeting, Macron has consistently challenged Trump's tendency to use dominating handshakes as a means of unsettling other world leaders.
Their most notable handshake occurred during their first encounter in Brussels in 2017, when both began their presidential terms. The younger Macron, visibly straining, held Trump's hand firmly until the US president had to release his grip twice, reported new agency AFP.
The intensity of Macron's grip left visible white marks on Trump's hands. Their theatrical displays continued into 2018, when Trump led Macron into the Oval Office whilst holding his hand.
However, Macron's diplomatic efforts failed to convince Trump to maintain commitments to the Paris climate agreement and Iran nuclear deal.
Their relationship diminished during Trump's absence, but Macron quickly re-engaged following his re-election in November 2024.
Trump welcomed the invitation to attend Notre-Dame cathedral's reopening in December, marking his early return to international events. They shared another forceful handshake lasting 17 seconds.