A MYSTERIOUS bruise was spotted on Donald Trump's hand after he had shared at least three awkward handshakes with Emmanuel Macron. The duo's hearty encounter happened outside The White House during the French President's visit for talks over Ukraine. The two leaders rekindled their bromance as they shared a lengthy handshake, hugged and laughed - despite their disagreements.
![[A bruise was spotted on Trump's hand during their handshake]](https://www.thesun.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/makeup-covers-bruise-back-u-974993124.jpg?strip=all&w=960)
A close-up photo of the gripping handshake of the two leaders shows a large bruise on the Republican's hand covered with makeup. The picture sparked frenzied speculation on social media with various theories circulating - but it remains unclear how the US President got the bruise.
![[Donald Trump and Emmanuel Macron shaking hands in the Oval Office.]](https://www.thesun.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/us-president-donald-trump-meets-974854570.jpg?strip=all&w=960)
It was spotted as the Republican and the French President shook hands as they sat at the Oval Office - after sharing an intense 12-second handshake outside the White House. Another uncomfortable handshake happened a bit later during a press conference.
![[Donald Trump and Emmanuel Macron meeting at the White House.]](https://www.thesun.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/upi-alamy-live-news-alamy-974848649.jpg?strip=all&w=960)
The duo has a long history of public displays of affection - with a 29-second handshake going viral in the past. Their legendary handshake was in Brussels in 2017 - the year they both started their first presidential terms- was so intense it left Trump's hand with white finger marks.
![[Donald Trump embracing Emmanuel Macron.]](https://www.thesun.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/united-states-president-donald-trump-974878914.jpg?strip=all&w=960)
During their meeting, Trump was then seen tapping Macron's arm as he shared a tale about a meeting in Paris with the French President seen gripping Trump's hand as he laughed. The meeting of the two leaders came amid growing tensions as the US sided with Russia in a UN vote on a resolution demanding that Putin's troops leave Ukraine.
![[President Trump and President Macron shaking hands.]](https://www.thesun.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/u-s-president-donald-trump-974863479.jpg?strip=all&w=960)
The French leader grimaced after Trump incorrectly suggested European assistance to Ukraine would be in the form of loans. Macron interrupted his 78-year-old counterpart and corrected him: "No, in fact, to be frank. "We paid 60 per cent of the total effort and it was -- like the US -- loans, guarantees, grants.".
![[Illustration of a proposed Ukraine peace plan map.]](https://www.thesun.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/AP-17-02-UKRAINE-PEACE-TALKS-v5_23c6ed.jpg?strip=all&w=596)
Trump smirked and said after Macron spoke: "If you believe that, it's ok with me.". Macron added: "Europe is willing to step up to be a stronger partner, to do more on defence and security on this continent, as well as to be a reliable partner.". Trump repeated that the war in Ukraine would "never have happened if I was President".
![[President Trump and President Macron holding hands.]](https://www.thesun.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/e596f20e-b3cf-409d-85d2-c107f5864d6c.jpg?strip=all&w=960)
But he also made a stern warning that any overspill could have a devastating outcome if a peace deal isn't secured. He said: "There will be a point where it is not going to stop at those two countries. "Already there is such involvement from other countries and it could really lead to a very big war, World War III, and we are not gonna let that happen either.".
![[President Trump and President Macron shaking hands at a press conference.]](https://www.thesun.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/us-president-donald-trump-french-401427357.jpg?strip=all&w=960)
Trump added: "It's time to restore peace and I think we're going to do it. "We have had some great conversations, including with Russia.". In response, the French leader cautioned that it's crucial that any potential agreement with Moscow does not amount to surrender for Ukraine.
![[President Trump and President Macron walking hand-in-hand.]](https://www.thesun.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/us-president-donald-trump-leads-455912868.jpg?strip=all&w=960)
He said: "This peace must not mean a surrender of Ukraine or a ceasefire without guarantees, it must allow for Ukrainian sovereignty and allow Ukraine to negotiate with other stakeholders regarding the issues that affect it. "It is also a country in which we need to shoulder our responsibilities so that we ensure security and stability for Ukraine and for the entire region.
![[Donald Trump and Emmanuel Macron shaking hands at a summit.]](https://www.thesun.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/us-president-donald-trump-french-412012154.jpg?strip=all&w=960)
"For Europeans this is an existential issue.". Macron made it clear that Ukraine's future should be prioritised and that the US and Europe need to "shoulder" responsibilities. He said: "This peace must not mean a surrender of Ukraine or a ceasefire without guarantees, it must allow for Ukrainian sovereignty and allow Ukraine to negotiate with other stakeholders regarding the issues that affect it.
![[President Macron and President Trump meeting at the Élysée Palace.]](https://www.thesun.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/269141f7-6007-4056-aa90-b75a69ae723d.jpg?strip=all&w=960)
"It is also a country in which we need to shoulder our responsibilities so that we ensure security and stability for Ukraine and for the entire region.". Despite their disagreements, the two leaders exchanged compliments as Macron hailed their "friendship from your first term.".
![[President Trump and President Macron shaking hands at a NATO summit.]](https://www.thesun.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/french-president-emmanuel-macron-shake-720813111.jpg?strip=all&w=960)