In a lighthearted remark, U.S. President Donald Trump offered some playful advice to his French counterpart, Emmanuel Macron, following a viral video that appeared to show Macron’s wife, Brigitte, shoving the French president’s face during a trip to Vietnam.
The incident occurred on the sidelines of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit in Da Nang, Vietnam, where world leaders had gathered for discussions on trade and economic cooperation. The brief video clip, which quickly gained traction on social media, seemed to capture Brigitte Macron gently pushing her husband’s face away as he leaned in toward her.
Addressing the incident, President Trump told reporters, “They’re fine. He’s a great guy, she’s a great woman. They’re fine.” The U.S. leader then offered some lighthearted advice, saying, “You just have to keep the doors closed, that’s all.”
While the incident may have appeared somewhat unusual to onlookers, it was likely a harmless interaction between the French first couple, who have been married since 2007 and are known for their affectionate public displays. French officials have not issued any formal statement regarding the video, and the Élysée Palace has not commented on the matter.
The relationship between President Trump and his French counterpart has been the subject of much scrutiny and speculation, with the two leaders often engaging in a carefully choreographed diplomatic dance. Despite occasional public disagreements on issues such as climate change and the Iran nuclear deal, the two presidents have maintained a cordial working relationship, often projecting an image of camaraderie and mutual respect.
The “shoving” incident, while brief and seemingly innocuous, serves as a reminder of the constant media scrutiny that world leaders and their families face, with even the most mundane interactions being subject to intense public scrutiny and analysis. As the leaders of two of the world’s most influential nations, President Trump and President Macron will likely continue to navigate the delicate balance of diplomacy and public perception in the years to come.
