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.
GettyA bruise was spotted on Trump’s hand during their handshake[/caption]
AFPThe two leaders shook hands again as they held talks over Ukraine[/caption]
AlamyThe two Presidents shared a handshake as they met outside The White House[/caption]
SplashThe duo shared a warm embrace as they met at the Oval Office[/caption]
GettyThe Republican and the French President shared a third handshake during their joint press conference[/caption]
The two leaders rekindled their bromance as they shared a lengthy handshake, hugged and laughed – despite their disagreements.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.”
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”.
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.”
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.
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.
“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.
“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.”
Trump praised the Frenchman for the restoration of the fire-damaged Notre Dame cathedral.
The two Presidents posing for photos on the Truman Balcony during a state arrival ceremony in April 2018Getty Images – Getty
AFP or licensorsThe two Presidents during a joint press conference in Washington in April 2018[/caption]
Getty – PoolThe two of them held hands during Macron’s visit to the Oval Office in April 2018[/caption]
AFP or licensorsTrump and Macron hold a meeting during the G7 Summit in Quebec Canada in 2018[/caption]
Macron welcomes Trump ahead of a meeting at the Elysee Presidential Palace in July 2017Getty Images – Getty
ReutersTrump and Macron shook hands ahead of a NATO Summit in Brussels in May 2017[/caption]