Donald Trump's latest handshake with Emmanuel Macron at the G7 summit in France has reignited online debate about hishealth, after cameras caught the former US president greeting his French counterpart with a visibly weak grip and an oddly angled arm. The brief 'limp wrist' moment stood out partly because it contrasted so sharply with Trump's long‑standing reputation for forceful, showy handshakes on the world stage.
Trump and Macron's handshakes have become a running sideshow at international summits over the years. The pair are known for turning routine greetings into mini power struggles, gripping hard and holding on long after the cameras have got what they need. This time, at least on video, the energy seemed to vanish from one side of the equation.
Arriving at the Hotel Royal Evian for the G7, Trump was first welcomed by US Ambassador to the French Republic Charles Kushner before heading towards Macron for a bilateral meeting. As the two leaders reached for each other, Trump appeared to abandon his trademark firm grip and instead extended a limp wrist, barely curling his fingers around Macron's hand.
NOW: President Trump arrives in Geneva, Switzerland for the G7 summit, just a day after announcing an agreement to end the U.S. war with Iran.G7 leaders will convene in France, where discussions are expected to focus on the Iran conflict, the Russia-Ukraine war, and a range of…pic.twitter.com/xx5TM250Kj
The handshake, offered at an awkward angle, lasted only briefly and looked tentative compared with their usual white‑knuckle encounters. Social‑media footage shared from the scene quickly drew attention toTrump's right hand, which some viewers claimed appeared discoloured.
There has been no official medical comment about Trump's health and no confirmation of any injury or condition affecting his hand. With no on‑the‑record detail, the online speculation remains exactly that and should be treated with caution.
Once inside, Trump shifted the conversation to safer territory: sport. Turning to Macron after the uncomfortable greeting, he brought up a fight staged at the White House the previous evening.
Trump, meeting with Macron, is losing his voice and talking about UFCpic.twitter.com/wcjM8DJCoM
'So I want to congratulate the president,' Trump said, referring to Macron, before praising French fighter Cyril Ghosn. 'Last night, Cyril Ghosn won the fight against a great fighter, supposed to be unbeatable. And Cyril is from France.'
Macron replied that he had not watched the bout live. 'But I saw it this morning,' he said. Trump pushed straight on, calling it 'a great fight' and 'a great evening at the White House', adding: 'I was very proud.' It was a familiar Trump flourish, but the online conversation had already moved back to his hand.
Source: International Business Times UK
