Topics: Donald Trump, Politics, US News, Emmanuel Macron, World News
A professional lip reader has interpreted a controversial comment Donald Trump fired in the direction of Brigitte Macron yesterday.
The US President was welcomed by his French counterpart, Emmanuel Macron, and his wife, Brigitte, in Évian-les-Bains, France, for a Group of Seven summit on Monday (15 Jun).
The event will serve as a gathering of the G7 members, the agenda of which will focus on geopolitical developments and economic strategy.
After Trump, 80, landed landed on a G7 logo-heavy stage, the right-wing leader was seen enjoying a sturdy handshake 'tug of war' with Emmanuel, one of his signature moves when meeting a fellow politician.
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The aggressive motion didn't go unnoticed by a number of social media users, who shared footage of the odd greeting on social media.
"Trump does his weird handshake tug of war with Brigitte Macron," one X user noted.
Another joked: "Macaron should just have delivered a UFC-style finishing move. Amazingly patient man, must say."
Trump then turned his attention to the French First Lady, pulling her in close for a similarly vigorous move.
"Trump really out here playing tug-of-war with Brigitte Macron's hand. Classic power move at the G7!" one fan of his noted.
A critic questioned, however: "Why won't he let go of her hand when she wants to disengage?"
She and Trump then held one another for several seconds in a seemingly awkward embrace, after which Trump bestowed two kisses onto her cheeks, suddenly taking on an unexpectedly European tradition.
According to human behaviour expert Nicola Hickling, throughout the entire interaction, the Republican leader focused heavily on Brigitte, 73, as opposed to her husband - an out-of-character decision for Trump.
The lip reader claimed to The Mail he initially told Emmanuel, 48, 'I'm ready for tonight', before adding, 'Pleasure'.
She believes Trump then addressed Brigitte, telling her, 'Hello, sweetheart', in an overly-friendly fashion.
Brigitte is then said to have replied, 'Happy birthday’.
Body language expert Judi James also chimed in on the matter, noting of Trump's interactions with the Macrons: "Macron clapped Trump on the arm in a gesture of friendship and looked keen to engage in something a little more like a bonding ritual, but Trump slid straight past him to engage with Brigitte with a much warmer show of enthusiasm and affection, throwing his arms out with his mouth open to lean in and kiss her on both cheeks."
She told The Mail: "Macron looked desperate to join in here, clapping Trump on the back and smiling as he squeezed himself in between as they stood in a close huddle."
James continued: "As Macron went to usher Trump towards the tent, Trump held onto Brigitte's hand, even walking away holding hands with her while Macron danced attendance behind them."
