They hugged, they gripped hands, they touched knees and they backslapped. But they did not agree on everything. French President Macron and US President Trump rekindled the most touchy-feely bromance in world politics as they met on Monday.
The pair have a long history of public displays of affection dating back to Trump’s first term in power. But tensions over Trump’s sudden pivot to Russia over the Ukraine war bubbled up to the surface.
Macron interrupted his 78-year-old counterpart when Trump repeated a false claim that Europe was merely loaning Ukraine money and would get it back.
“No, in fact, to be frank,” he said, touching Trump’s arm to stop him mid-sentence, “We paid 60% of the total effort and it was – like the US – loans, guarantees, grants.” Trump smirked and said: “If you believe that, it’s ok with me.”
