THE White House has revealed the surprising reason behind Donald Trump’s mysterious bruise that appeared during his meeting with Emmanuel Macron.
Trump was photographed with a large dark mark on the back of his right hand as he sat opposite the French leader inside the Oval Office.
GettyA bruise was spotted on Trump’s hand during their handshake[/caption]
AFPThe two leaders shook hands as they held talks over Ukraine[/caption]
GettyThe duo shared a warm embrace as they met in the White House[/caption]
The duo’s first 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.
Macron and Trump – famous for their long and firm shakes – then shook hands again as they appeared in front of reporters.
But a close-up photo of the gripping handshake of the two leaders shows what appears to be a large bruise on the Republican’s hand.
The picture sparked frenzied speculation on social media.
However, the White House has now revealed that the bruise mark was from Trump shaking hands “all day every day”.
Newly appointed White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt said: “President Trump has bruises on his hand because he’s constantly working and shaking hands all day every day.
“President Trump is a man of the people, his commitment is unwavering, and he proves that every single day.”
Trump’s bruise was spotted after the duo had an intense 12-second handshake outside the White House.
They then shook hands again in jest in front of reporters.
And another uncomfortable handshake happened around 90 minutes 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.
During a different meeting at the White House, Trump – speaking of his French bromance – said: “They’re all saying what a great relationship we have and they’re actually correct.
“It’s not fake news…we do have a very special relationship.”
Jokingly wiping a piece of dandruff off Macron’s shoulder, Trump added: “In fact, I’ll get that little piece of dandruff off. We have to make him perfect. He is perfect.”
The pair were caught sharing awkward kisses on the cheek and held hands their hands as they walked around.
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.
Getty – PoolDonald Trump leads President Emmanuel Macron of France to the Oval Office during a state visit to The White House[/caption]
AFPUS President Donald Trump and French President Emmanuel Macron appear to share an awkward kiss during a press conference at the White House[/caption]
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.”
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.
France’s nuclear umbrella plan
By Georgie English, Foreign News Reporter
FRANCE is said to be ready to deploy a “nuclear shield” to help protect Europe from any looming Russian threats.
President Emmanuel Macron is leading the way in helping to protect the Continent after he held “productive” talks with Donald Trump over ending the Ukraine war.
Macron suggested a truce could be agreed between Kyiv and Moscow in a matter of weeks as he spoke to Fox News following the Trump chat.
The positive comments come just days after the conflict entered its fourth year with fighting still raging along the border.
Macron’s France have also reportedly proposed the idea of sending fighter jets carrying nuclear weapons across to Germany.
The deterrent would act as a stark warning to Russia’s tyrant Vladimir Putin.
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