Donald Trump’s awkward handshake with Emmanuel Macron at the Gaza peace summit has taken a mysterious turn as new details reveal a tense conversation.
The duo shook hands in Sharm El-Sheikh, Egypt, on Monday as Trump signed the first phase of the Israel-Hamas ceasefire agreement.
Their uncomfortable ‘death clasp’ handshakes have gone viral over the years, with footage from 2017 showing the two leaders locking hands for 29 seconds straight.
Trump drew the French president in for a warm handshake before the pair each placed an affectionate hand on the other’s upper arm in front of a large crowd of photographers.
The embrace soon turned into something akin to an arm wrestle as the two presidents exchanged what seemed like intense conversation while swinging their opposite number’s hand from side to side.
Macron eventually freed himself from Trump’s grasp and hurried off the stage.
However, lip reader Nicola Hickling told the Daily Mail that the handshake was much more than just a casual greeting between the two leaders.
‘Nice to see you, so you agreed?’ Trump told Macron who soon turned away from the camera and muttered an inaudible response.
Trump’s awkward handshake with Macron soon took a dramatic turn when the world leader’s greeted each other
Trump accused Macron of trying to hurt him during their dramatic standoff
Trump signed the Israel-Hamas ceasefire agreement in Egypt on Monday
‘Are you being genuine?’ Trump asks as Macron quickly replies, ‘Of course.’
The commander-in-chief then tightens his grips around Macron’s palm before shooting back, ‘Okay, so now I want to know why, you hurt me. I already know.’
Trump then squeezes Macron’s hand again as the French president looks down and away from the cameras.
It’s not clear what the pair were speaking about; however, it comes weeks after Macron was seen mocking Trump with world leaders.
The two leaders have a colorful history together, often seeming to appear friendly, despite occasionally criticizing each other in public.
Speaking slowly and clearly Trump says, ‘I am making peace.’
Macron then taps Trump’s hand and replies, ‘Ah come on’, while Trump ignores and grasps tighter.
‘I only hurt those who hurt others,’ Trump tells Macron while pointing at the cameras.
‘I see. We will have to see about that,’ Macron says before issuing a stark warning to Trump. ‘You will see what is about to happen.’
Trump concludes, ‘I’d like to see you do it, do it. I’ll see you in a bit.’
The two leaders are known for their viral and intense handshakes with one another
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