At Pope Francis’s funeral on April 26, 2025, an awkward moment between French President Emmanuel Macron and former U.S. President Donald Trump drew significant attention. During the Sign of Peace, a traditional part of the Catholic funeral Mass where attendees exchange handshakes, Trump initially refrained from participating. It was only after First Lady Melania Trump whispered, “You should do it,” that Trump extended his hand to Macron. The handshake that followed was firm but notably subdued compared to their previous encounters. The Daily BeastThe Daily Beast
Observers noted that Macron had warmly greeted Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy with a hug and handshake earlier in the ceremony. In contrast, his interaction with Trump appeared more reserved. This difference in demeanor sparked discussions about the personal and political dynamics between the leaders. The Daily Beast
The history between Trump and Macron includes several instances of tense physical interactions. Notably, during a NATO summit in 2017, the two engaged in a prolonged handshake that Macron later described as a “moment of truth,” intended to assert that he wouldn’t make small concessions. The Guardian+2The Daily Beast+2The Daily Beast+2The Guardian+3BBC+3BBC News+3
At the funeral, Trump’s choice of attire—a blue suit—also drew criticism for deviating from the traditional black mourning attire observed by other dignitaries, including Melania Trump. This sartorial choice was perceived by some as a breach of protocol. The Daily Beast
While the handshake between Trump and Macron at Pope Francis’s funeral was ultimately executed, the initial hesitation and the contrast in Macron’s greetings to other leaders highlighted the complexities of their relationship. The incident served as a reminder of the nuanced interplay between personal rapport and diplomatic protocol on the world stage.
