The messages that emerged from the tension-filled handshake between Donald Trump and his French counterpart, Emmanuel Macron, at the Gaza Summit in Egypt, have become the subject of media discussion. What did the presidents of the USA and France actually discuss during their face-to-face handshake? Much has been written about it, but what’s certain is that the two leaders have disagreed on crucial geopolitical issues over time, so it was logical that this type of handshake would open space for intense speculation.
The Daily Mail asked Nicola Hickling, a lip-reading expert, to translate what Macron and Trump might have said. According to the expert, during the long and somewhat awkward handshake, Donald Trump reportedly said to Macron: “Good to see you, so you agreed?” The French President’s response is unknown, as he answered with his back turned to the cameras.
Trump-Macron handshake: What the two leaders said in their face-to-face moment
“Are you being honest?” Trump asked next, with Macron responding: “Of course.”
And Trump continued: “Okay, now I want to know why you hurt me. I already know.” The Daily Mail suggests that, although it wasn’t clear what Trump was referring to, there had recently been public approval of mockery directed at Trump, as the American President often confuses Armenia with Albania.
Trump then says: “I’m making peace,” while Macron lightly taps Trump’s hand and responds: “Oh, come on.” The American President grips his hand tighter.
“I only hurt those who hurt others,” Trump then told Macron, pointing him toward the cameras.
“I understand. We’ll have to see about that,” Macron replied, with Trump telling him: “You’ll see what’s about to happen.”
In this strange conversation, Trump reportedly concluded by telling Macron: “I’d like to see you do it, do it. Talk to you later.”
Here’s Donald Trump and Macron sharing an awkward handshake!
What was Macron thinking at that moment?
pic.twitter.com/qrLcYqaoaP— Lucas Sanders 💙🗳️🌊💪🌈🚺🟧 (@LucasSa56947288) October 13, 2025
🧐Question: Y’a t’il des connaisseurs en Body Language pour analyser ces 30 secondes de serrage de main entre Donald Trump et Macron à Sharm El Sheik en Égypte? 🇺🇸🇫🇷🇪🇬pic.twitter.com/ui8OJkwPC6
— ⚜ France for Trump ⚜ (@VirginiePerez15) October 13, 2025
