A zesty exchange between the presidents of France and the United States at the late Pope Francis’ funeral has the internet divided on just who snubbed whom.
Before President Donald Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky sat down together, French President Emmanuel Macron briefly joined them, offering Zelensky a warm hug and handshake—but not to his American counterpart, whose hand Macron left outstretched.
Macron and Trump—who have an established history of bizarre, often overly macho greetings—did, however, exchange a handshake during the sign of peace mass at the Pope’s funeral mass.
The odd interaction has nevertheless caused a stir online, with critics of the American president insisting he was snubbed by the French leader, and MAGA supporters insisting it was instead Macron whom Trump gave the cold shoulder.
“Macron shakes hands with Zelensky, but not with Trump. Absolute f–king legend!” as one user wrote on X, with another adding in the comments: “Macron shows how leadership is done.”
Macron shakes hands with Zelensky, but not with Trump. Absolute fucking legend! pic.twitter.com/fwvASi0fYk
— Kadi🇪🇪🌻 (@TheFl0orIsLaVa) April 26, 2025
Macron wanted to sit in on Trumps ad hoc meeting with the Narcofuhrer. Trump told Macron to sit it out. Macroleon did as he was told. pic.twitter.com/avS9VpzbrL
— Chay Bowes (@BowesChay) April 26, 2025
“Macron wanted to sit in on Trump’s ad hoc with the Narcofuhrer,” another user countered, in a bizarre presumed reference to the Ukrainian leader. “Trump told Macron to sit it out. Macroleon did as he was told.”
The awkwardness in any case appears to have passed Zelensky entirely by, with the Ukrainian president tweeting afterwards: “Very symbolic meeting that has potential to become historic, if we achieve joint results. Thank you @POTUS.”
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