The Power Play of Handshakes

At a recent funeral for Pope Francis, two world leaders, Donald Trump and Emmanuel Macron, shared a moment that has sparked interest. Their firm handshake during the "sign of peace" at the Mass was just one of many intense interactions they have had over the years. This event was not the first time their handshakes made headlines. In fact, their history of powerful handshakes goes back several years. The public first noticed their unusual handshakes during a meeting in Paris. Trump's strong grip and firm push nearly dragged Macron along. This was not a one-time thing. Later that same day, Trump used an overhand grip and angled his arm above Macron's, showing a clear attempt to assert dominance. Trump later downplayed the incident, calling it just a "firm shake. " But the public saw more than that. They saw a display of power and control. Their handshake habits continued in the Oval Office. They shook hands multiple times, even engaging in what looked like a "thumb war. " This behavior started early in Trump's presidency. At a 2017 NATO summit, their handshake was so intense that their knuckles turned white. Macron even admitted that their handshake was not innocent. It was a clear show of power and dominance. The fascination with their handshakes grew. At a Bastille Day event, they shook hands for nearly 30 seconds. Trump even joked about Macron's love for holding his hand. In 2018, they exchanged the traditional French kiss, known as "bise, " on both cheeks. This sparked even more interest in their relationship. Over time, their physical exchanges have become less intense, but their handshakes still reveal a lot about their dynamic. They show both camaraderie and the power struggle between them. These handshakes are more than just greetings. They are a way for these leaders to communicate power and control. It's important to pay attention to these nonverbal cues. They can tell us a lot about the relationships between world leaders. In this case, the handshakes between Trump and Macron show a complex mix of friendship and competition. It's a reminder that even simple gestures can have deep meanings.