Trump turns on the charm after extended ‘alpha’ handshake with Macron and kisses for Brigitte at Palace of Versailles

President Donald Trump turned up the charm Wednesday night when he arrived at the Palace of Versailles for a lavish dinner hosted by French President Emmanuel Macron and his wife, Brigitte.

After their trademark long handshake, lasting about 10 seconds, and a kiss on Brigitte’s cheeks, Trump praised France’s first couple.

‘This is very nice. “We thank the President and Brigitte is an amazing woman,” Trump enthused.

Trump was at the famous French palace to have a bilateral dinner with the Macrons, but the White House also said that the President signed a memorandum of understanding with Iran during the visit.

It has been rumored for a long time that Trump would also visit Versailles during his trip to France for the G7.

He has been meeting with other world leaders since Monday in Évian-les-Bains, the part of France that touches Lake Geneva.

But the President’s schedule did not officially change until Tuesday, when he stopped by the palace, located about 10 miles outside Paris, before flying back to the United States.

The President said that he accepted the invitation of Macron, whom he criticized and even made fun of by doing his best with his French accent, because “I am a fan of beautiful places.”

President Donald Trump (left) receives a visit from French President Emmanuel Macron to the Palace of Versailles on Wednesday night before Trump returns to Washington

French President Emmanuel Macron, left, and President Donald Trump shared a long handshake as Trump arrived in Versailles on Wednesday night.

‘Versailles is not a golden leaf. Trump said Versailles was the real deal.

Macron explained the dinner to critics by saying he was hosting it to celebrate America’s 250th birthday because France played a pivotal role in the independence of the United States.

Versailles was chosen because it was a ‘historic symbol of Franco-American friendship’. An Élysée official told the Guardian:.

It is also possible that he was chosen because of the President’s admiration for wealth.

One of Trump’s most important projects since returning to the White House in January 2025 has been the construction of a ballroom in the White House.

He also undertook many White House construction projects, including painting parts of the Oval Office gold.

The president personally toured some of Versailles’ rooms before dining with the Macrons in the Lower Gallery.

In true European style, dinner didn’t start until 22:53 local time.

French President Emmanuel Macron (right) placed his hand on the back of President Donald Trump (left) as the two toured the Palace of Versailles on Wednesday night ahead of dinner

French President Emmanuel Macron (center) points out architectural details as he leads President Donald Trump (left) on a tour of Versailles with his wife Brigitte (right)

President Donald Trump welcomed French President Emmanuel Macron and his wife Brigitte outside the Palace of Versailles on Wednesday night.

President Donald Trump (right) is accompanied by French President Emmanuel Macron (center) and his wife Brigitte (left) on their way to Versailles

Brigitte Macron (left), French President Emmanuel Macron (center) and President Donald Trump watch the sunset from the large windows of the Palace of Versailles on Wednesday night. Trump and Macrons did not sit down for dinner until 22:53 local time

Earlier this week at the G7, Macron was caught on a hot mic discussing Trump with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, who has a rocky relationship with the American leader.

Zelensky appeared to have told Macron that he would meet Trump at the international summit.

The leaders spoke in silence for more than twenty seconds before Macron audibly rejoined: ‘Okay, we’ll arrange this.’

Zelensky held the Trump meeting; Macron was the convener on the sidelines of the G7.

However, journalists were kept away after the meeting between Trump and Zelensky in the Oval Office in 2025 turned into a fight.