In a sensational revelation, President Donald Trump divulged that he had had words with the French president after startling footage emerged capturing the moment Emmanuel Macron’s wife seemed to slap him amidst a fiery disagreement during an official jaunt. In a clip taken at Hanoi airport, there’s a glimpse of Macron through his presidential jet’s door. Moments later, his spouse Brigitte is seen swiftly raising her hand to his cheek, seemingly delivering a blow.
The French leader registers shock before turning to salute onlookers, subsequently proceeding down the steps. Emmanuel Macron seeks her hand as they descend, but she refrains, favouring the safety of the stairway’s rail instead. The Macrons touched down in Hanoi on Sunday night primed for a week-long Southeast Asian circuit, featuring engagements in Indonesia and Singapore. A confidant speaking with BFMTV, a French broadcaster, downplayed the scene as mere spousal squabble, saying: “It was a moment for the President and his wife to unwind one last time before the start of the trip by having a little fun.”
Fox News journalist Peter Doocy posed the question to Donald Trump: “Do you have any world leader-to-world leader marital advice?” In a jest, Trump, thrice wedded, responded: “Make sure the door remains closed.”, reports the Mirror.
Trump said: “I spoke to him [Macron]. He’s fine. They’re fine. They’re two really good people. I know him very well, and I don’t know what that was all about,’ Trump said, choosing his words carefully. But I know him very well, and they’re fine.”
This is a stark contrast to the usual public displays of affection between the French President and his wife, Brigitte Trogneux, who have been married for 18 years. The couple, who have a 25-year age gap, have a long history together, dating back to when Macron was just 15 and Trogneux was his drama teacher. According to a book, Macron’s parents initially disapproved of the relationship and tried to put a stop to it, but the couple defied them and continued to see each other in secret. Macron’s father even ordered Trogneux to stay away from his son until he turned 18.
However, Macron’s parents have since come to accept the relationship, with his mother describing Trogneux as “adorable”. The French President and his wife will visit the UK in July, staying at Windsor Castle from July 8 to July 10, as confirmed by Buckingham Palace earlier this month.
