Former President Donald Trump's recent meeting with French President Emmanuel Macron during the Notre Dame Cathedral reopening ceremony has sparked a flurry of comments on social media, particularly regarding their handshake. The encounter, part of Trump's first international trip since winning the 2024 election, quickly became a viral moment online.

Numerous users commented on the interaction, with some describing Trump's handshake as "dominating." One user on X (formerly Twitter) remarked, "Trump's back to his old handshake tactics with world leaders. Macron might need some ice after that." Another commentator echoed this sentiment, stating, "That Trump-Macron handshake was something else. A real power move. We're definitely back in business." The incident drew comparisons to a much-discussed handshake between the two leaders in 2017, which also drew considerable attention for its length and perceived intensity.

French President Emmanuel Macron (right) greets U.S. President-elect Trump with a handshake before a meeting at the Élysée Presidential Palace in Paris, December 7, 2024. (Photo by Mustafa Yalcin)

The online discussion also recalled other instances of Trump's handshakes with world leaders gaining notoriety, including a forceful handshake with Russian President Vladimir Putin at the 2019 G-20 Summit. One user jokingly commented, "You'd think Macron would have learned by now after the first time. Even with practice, he still got out-handshaken." Trump's presence at the Notre Dame reopening also included interactions with other prominent figures, such as First Lady Jill Biden and Prince William.

French President Emmanuel Macron meets with President-elect Trump at the Élysée Palace on December 7, 2024, in Paris. (Photo by Oleg Nikishin)