Emmanuel Macron avoids fresh handshake rivalry with Donald Trump by surprising him with White House KISS
The video will start in 8 Cancel
Get politics updates directly to your inbox + Subscribe Thank you for subscribing! Could not subscribe, try again later Invalid Email
Emmanuel Macron appeared to surprise Donald Trump by negating his famous firm handshake with a double peck on the cheek just seconds into their White House greeting.
The French President was met by Trump's outstretched hand as he arrived in Washington yesterday for of his three-day state visit to the US.
As the world leaders met in front of cameras, Macron, possibly hoping to avoid another handshake rivalry with his US counterpart, moved in close by putting his left hand behind Trump's head before kissing him twice on the cheek.
The gesture appeared to surprise Trump, who is known to use a firm grip while shaking hands in an effort to display his power and dominance.
Last July, Macron and Trump engaged in a bizarre and lengthy handshake during the US President's visit to Paris to attend Bastille Day celebrations.
(Image: REUTERS)
(Image: REUTERS)
Donald Trump's handshake yank rivalry with Emmanuel Macron escalates as French President's wife Brigitte gets involved
Commentators suggested that encounter may have represented a power struggle between the men.
Macron's visit is the first time Trump has hosted a state visit since he took power in January last year.
While the French leader has tried to develop a close relationship with Trump since he took office last May, he has so far seen few tangible results on issues from Iran to climate politics.
(Image: REX/Shutterstock)
Video Loading Video Unavailable Click to play Tap to play The video will start in 8 Cancel Play now
Macron and his wife, Brigitte, shortly after their arrival at the Blair House residence, took quickly to the streets of Washington, walking past the White House complex to the Lincoln Memorial and greeting tourists.
Macron brought with him an oak tree sapling for planting on the South Lawn of the White House.
(Image: REX/Shutterstock)
The tree came from the Belleau Woods, site of a World War One battle in 1918 where 9,000 Americans died.
Trump and Macron shoveled dirt on the freshly planted tree as the cameras clicked.
"France is a very special country," said Trump. "It's a great honour."
(Image: REUTERS)
Video Loading Video Unavailable Click to play Tap to play The video will start in 8 Cancel Play now
Trump and his wife, Melania, and the Macrons then flew aboard Trump's Marine One helicopter to dine at Mount Vernon, the Virginia home of George Washington, the first US president and Revolutionary War commander whose alliance with France was critical to victory over the British.
The Trumps and Macrons spent about two hours at Mount Vernon.
"We had a great dinner," President Trump told reporters as they boarded the helicopter for the return trip to the White House.
Working meetings will be held at the White House today before Macron addresses the US Congress the following day, the snniversary of the day French General Charles de Gaulle addressed a joint session of Congress in 1960.