Trump's intense 26-second handshake with Macron turns into viral tug-of-war spectacle

Trump and French President Macron revived their famously intense handshake routine during the Gaza summit

U.S. President Donald Trump and French President Emmanuel Macron once again drew attention for their characteristically intense handshake — this time during the Gaza peace summit in Sharm el-Sheikh, Egypt.

The two leaders, attending the signing of a historic ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas, greeted each other with a handshake that lasted approximately 26 seconds. What began as a standard greeting soon turned into a display of physical endurance, as both men appeared to exert effort in maintaining and controlling the grip. Footage broadcast showed both leaders pulling each other’s arms and shifting grips during the exchange. Host John Roberts referred to it as a “bro shake,” while social media users compared it to an “arm-wrestling match.”

President Trump literally treats French President Macron like a little bitch🤣

Macron tried to get away multiple times & Trump wouldn’t let him. Macron even looks at his hand at one point, Trump points to the camera & Macron poses 🤣

pic.twitter.com/53FcGYp5zD

— Derrick Evans (@DerrickEvans4WV) October 13, 2025

The extended handshake occurred just before a formal “family photo” of world leaders at the summit. Macron attempted to disengage partway through the interaction, but Trump held firm, prompting the French president to grasp Trump’s forearm to finally break away.

This latest episode is part of a long history of high-profile, often awkward handshakes between the two presidents. Their handshake during their first meeting in 2017 lasted about 29 seconds, followed by several other firm and drawn-out greetings, including one at the 2018 G7 Summit where Macron’s grip left a visible imprint on Trump’s hand. In February, bruises on Trump’s hand sparked speculation, with the White House attributing them to frequent handshaking.

At the Egypt summit, Trump also shared a similarly lengthy handshake with UAE Vice President Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan. Praising the Emirati leader — and owner of Manchester City — Trump joked, “A lot of cash. Unlimited cash.”

The summit marked the signing of a major ceasefire agreement. Hamas released the remaining 20 Israeli hostages, while Israel freed over 1,900 Palestinian prisoners. Trump called the deal a “new beginning for an entire beautiful Middle East.”

Despite the serious diplomatic efforts, much of the online buzz focused on Trump and Macron’s enduring handshake theatrics.