Body Language Expert Reveals the Meaning Behind Donald Trump & Emmanuel Macron's 'Intense' Handshake

A body language expert has weighed in with their analysis of Emmanuel Macron and Donald Trump's handshake. The expert's reflections come after netizens reacted to seeing the moment via online video footage.

Darren Stanton, a body language expert, recently spoke to the media outlet UNILAD about the meeting between US President Donald Trump and French President Emmanuel Macron. Stanton unveiled the potential meaning behind the widely discussed handshake shared between the two presidents, which was dubbed "intense."

Stanton analyzed the interaction between the two world leaders, pointing out the underlying power struggle embedded in their exchange. Speaking to UNILAD, Stanton noted Trump's signature handshake style, which often involves an intense grip and an assertive pull.

"When Trump shakes hands with politicians, it's almost as though he crushes their hands," he explained, emphasizing the president's tendency to dominate such interactions.

However, this time, Macron met Trump's force with his own, creating a dynamic that signaled neither leader wanted to concede the upper hand.

"There is a huge sense of both of them wanting to assert power over the other," Stanton continued, adding that their body language suggested a mutual effort to project strength.

Despite their public smiles and cordial gestures, Stanton observed that their interactions lacked genuine warmth. "When they're smiling at each other and the cameras, it doesn't come across as very genuine. It seems to be a bit over the top," he remarked.

While the handshake conveyed a subtle battle for dominance, Stanton suggested that the two leaders maintain a functional yet distant rapport. He noted that Macron's demeanor hinted at slight contempt toward Trump, but ultimately, the two share a level of professional respect.

Summing up their relationship, Stanton concluded, "They're like colleagues, but they don't have to be the closest. I think Trump tolerates people and Macron is one of them."

Stanton's analysis of the handshake carries significant weight, given his extensive background in body language and behavioral assessment.

Recognized as the UK's leading expert in the field, Stanton's career spans over a decade in television and media, where he has provided insights on high-profile political and public figures.

His expertise first gained national attention in 2010 when he was invited to analyze the body language of political candidates during the UK's General Election live debate—a moment that solidified his reputation in the industry.

Before transitioning to media, Stanton honed his skills in deception detection as a police officer, where he spent years interrogating suspects and identifying behavioral cues linked to dishonesty and manipulation.

Over the years, he has become a trusted voice in the world of media, frequently appearing on major television and radio programs, including "The One Show" on BBC1 and "This Morning" on ITV1.

His work has also extended into the true crime space, where he serves as a body language expert on Rob Rinder's "Interrogation Secrets," a series available on the Crime & Investigation Channel, Apple TV, and Amazon Prime.

His ability to decode the psychological underpinnings of human behavior further validates his insights into the highly scrutinized handshake between Macron and Trump.

Following their high-profile meeting, both President Trump and President Macron took to X to reflect on the significance of their discussion. Trump's post featured a video montage capturing key moments from the day.

The footage began with Macron's arrival at the White House, stepping out of a sleek black car before being greeted by Trump with a firm handshake.

It then transitioned into snapshots of the two leaders engaged in conversation, Macron signing an official document as Trump observed from behind and moments of shared laughter.

The video concluded with Trump personally escorting Macron back to his vehicle, the two waving as they parted ways.

In a voiceover accompanying the montage, Trump emphasized the historical strength of US-France relations, calling their alliance "very special" and reaffirming his commitment to maintaining the partnership.

"France is America's oldest ally. Our cherished partnership has been a force for freedom, prosperity, and peace from the very beginning. French support helped us to seize our destiny as an independent nation," he stated.

The video then cut to a clip of Macron, who echoed the sentiment, saying, "Our common objective is to build peace—a solid and long-standing peace. And I think the US and France always stand on the same side—the right side, I would say, of history."

Trump's post was accompanied by a caption that reinforced his message. Macron's official X account was also tagged at the end of the statement, punctuated with both US and French flag emojis.

Macron's X post marked the conclusion of his visit with a symbolic image. The photo, taken from inside a vehicle, captured a moment of departure—Macron, seated in the back of a car, raising his fist in acknowledgment as he looked out the window toward Trump.

Standing outside the White House, Trump returned the gesture with his raised fist, while a US Marine saluted in the background.

Accompanying the photo, Macron's caption expressed gratitude for Trump's hospitality during the visit, reinforcing the longstanding bond and trust between their nations.

Both presidents' posts and the reflections made by body language expert Stanton follow the initial reactions social media users had upon seeing a video of Trump and Macron's handshake.

"Looks like Macron had a seriously intense handshake with Trump," observed an X user, while another declared, "Powerful."

These comments were in response to USA Today's Facebook video showing Trump welcoming Macron. Video footage displayed Macron, who looked dapper in a sharp suit and dark-colored tie, exiting a black vehicle where he was immediately greeted by Trump.

The US President, who donned a dark blue suit and light blue tie, stuck out his hand to embrace Macron's in a tight handshake.

As the two men's hands were in an iron grip, each of them placed one of their arms on the other as they exchanged some words.

The duo were locked in a handshake for quite some time, looking on and posing for cameras, before Trump eventually loosened his grip and Macron's hand fell to his side.

At the end of the video, a reporter was heard asking Trump if he had any words to share for Pope Francis who remains hospitalized.

Although Donald Trump responded, his words were inaudible. Even USA Today noted how extensive the pair's handshake was in their caption, which reads, "Donald Trump welcomed France's President Emmanuel Macron to the White House with a very long handshake."

The handshake did not go unnoticed by netizens either. Aside from the two comments mentioned earlier, an X user said, "It's epic." On the other hand, someone else added, "It has become a sport."

Similarly, another person highlighted, "This was not a handshake. It was a wrestling match," while a fellow observer remarked, "Lmao, that handshake was something else! 😬 It's like they were trying to out-grip each other."

Speaking to Fox News about his decision to meet with Trump, Macron explained, "Because of the ongoing negotiation between the US and Russia. Because of all the discussions we had amongst Europeans."

He continued, "I wanted to come here, first to convey a message of friendship and the importance of the history in the relationship between France and the US."

Alongside Fox News' Instagram video post of their interview with Macron, they captioned, "French President Emmanuel Macron discusses his meeting with President Trump and Russia-Ukraine peace talks in an interview with @bretbaier on 'Special Report.'"

The news outlet also shared a snippet of Macron and Trump's meeting. They posted footage highlighting a lighthearted moment between the two presidents, with Trump sharing a humorous story about when he, Macron, and their two wives met for dinner at the Eiffel Tower.

"We came out and he started speaking the French deal and we didn't have an interpreter and he was going on and on and on and I was just nodding yes, yes, yes, and he really sold me out, because I got back the next day [...] I read the papers and I said, 'That's not what we said,'" divulged Trump.

After recounting the story, the two presidents engaged in a playful fight, lightly tapping each other and then shaking hands as the reporters laughed. "He's a smart customer, I will tell you that," quipped Trump.

"President Trump cracks a joke with French President Emmanuel Macron, referencing their different interpretations of a previous meeting in French and English," captioned Fox News.