Donald Trump’s famous ‘yank’ handshake meets its match in French President, netizens say ‘no means no’: Watch

US President Donald Trump and French President Emmanuel Macron met at the White House on the third year anniversary of Russia's invasion of Ukraine. During their meeting, the two leaders exchanged a series of gestures, such as hugs, yank handshakes, hand grips, knee touches, and backslaps, while discussing the ongoing situation in Ukraine. However, when it came to their views on Russia and Ukraine, they seemed as far apart as ever.

Watch a series of their Trump-Macron handshakes

At one point, as they were seated in the Oval office, President Macron was seen trying to mitt off President Trump’s hand from his knee.

Another image circulating on social media humorously showed an X-ray of Macron's hand after his handshake with President Trump

Social media reactions on the Trump- Macron hand gestuers
One user wrote, “Donnie never learns, no means no.”

Some other user said, “This is hilarious.”

Another user wrote, “He looks like he wants to punch Donald in the face”

Another user asked, “Do you think Macron practised that before going? I do. Good lad.”

“The look on Macron's face is priceless. He tried so hard to get away,” another added.

The pair have a long history of public displays of affection dating back to Trump's first term in power -- and as Macron returned for Trump 2.0 it seemed like another lovefest. One post showed their series of handshakes in 2017, 2024 and now in 2025.

Trump-Macron Meet

U.S. President Donald Trump and French President Emmanuel Macron displayed stark differences in their approach to Ukraine, exposing a divide between the United States and Europe over Trump's bid for a quick ceasefire deal with Russia.

Trump refused to refer to Russian President Vladimir Putin as a dictator, after calling Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelenskiy a dictator last week. Macron said it was clear that Russia "is the aggressor" in the conflict, a topic Trump wavered on last week.

In a joint news conference, Macron said, “This peace must not mean a surrender of Ukraine. It must not mean a ceasefire without guarantees. This peace must allow for Ukrainian sovereignty and allow Ukraine to negotiate with other stakeholders.”