Tensions on Display: Macron Appears to Snub Trump at Pope Francis’ Funeral
What was meant to be a solemn day of remembrance for Pope Francis took an unexpectedly awkward turn, possibly reflecting ongoing diplomatic tensions between the U.S. and France amid the Russian-Ukrainian crisis.
Before the funeral liturgy honoring the pontiff’s life and legacy, former U.S. President Donald Trump met with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky in a push to broker a peace deal with Russia. Around the same time, French President Emmanuel Macron greeted Zelensky warmly, clasping his hand in a firm, extended exchange.
As Trump approached, he appeared to extend his hand toward Macron—perhaps expecting a reciprocal gesture. But instead of a handshake, the interaction shifted into an uncomfortable moment. The two exchanged sharp words, and while Trump maintained the offer, Macron never fully returned it, leaving viewers speculating about the cool display.
The encounter quickly sparked discussion, hinting that the icy moment may have been more than just a social misstep.
Diplomatic Drama at the Vatican: Macron’s Snub, Trump’s Outreach, and the Strained US-French Dynamic
At what was meant to be a solemn farewell to Pope Francis, subtle gestures and icy exchanges between world leaders revealed the undercurrent of international tension—particularly between the United States and France.
A moment that quickly captured global attention occurred as Donald Trump appeared to reach out to French President Emmanuel Macron during the pre-liturgy gathering. Macron, who had just warmly greeted Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky with a firm handshake and quiet conversation, seemed to hesitate when approached by the former U.S. President.
Footage shows Macron’s hands hovering near Trump’s forearm, one moving up to the American’s elbow, as if uncertain or unwilling to complete the expected handshake. The two leaders never made direct eye contact, leaving many to speculate whether Macron intentionally avoided offering Trump the same warmth he had shown Zelensky.
Observers were quick to interpret the gesture as a calculated snub—perhaps a reflection of the increasingly frosty relationship between the two leaders, driven largely by conflicting views on the Ukraine-Russia war and the financial burden of aid contributions.
Yet the tension appeared to briefly thaw during the mass itself. At Melania Trump’s reported urging, Trump participated more fully in the Catholic rituals. During the sign of peace, Macron and Trump were seen clasping hands—perhaps a gesture of civility, or a momentary truce in an otherwise chilly dynamic.
Their strained rapport is hardly new. Back in February, the two leaders held a joint White House press conference to discuss a possible Ukraine peace agreement. Macron used the platform to correct Trump on the level of European aid to Ukraine and issued a stern warning against yielding to Vladimir Putin’s pressure.
It’s a far cry from the days when media headlines gushed over their “bromance,” with smiling photos of the pair strolling the Rose Garden and exchanging symbolic handshakes.
Adding to the complex web of diplomacy was a controversial meeting that same month between U.S. Vice President JD Vance and President Zelensky. Vance criticized the Ukrainian leader for what he called ingratitude toward U.S. support. Despite the friction, Zelensky maintained a diplomatic tone, replying with a neutral “Thank you for your support” to social media posts by global leaders, including Macron and former Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau.
Still, Zelensky and Trump appeared to have reconciled during their meeting in Rome. Following the Vatican gathering, the Ukrainian president posted:
“We discussed a lot one on one. Hoping for results on everything we covered. Very symbolic meeting that has potential to become historic, if we achieve joint results. Thank you, POTUS.”
Even funeral attire didn’t escape scrutiny. Both President Biden and Donald Trump wore blue—Biden opting for a blue tie, and Trump for a full blue suit—departing from the strict Vatican dress code. Meanwhile, First Lady Brigitte Macron stirred quiet criticism for not wearing a head covering, traditionally expected of women at papal funerals.
Female attendees like Melania Trump, Queen Letizia of Spain, former First Lady Jill Biden, and Crown Princess Mette-Marit of Norway adhered to protocol, donning black attire and appropriate veils or headscarves.
In the end, the farewell to Pope Francis became a subtle stage for diplomatic signaling—where every gesture, outfit, and handshake (or lack thereof) told a story far beyond the surface.
Notably, French First Lady Brigitte Macron defied traditional Vatican funeral protocol by forgoing a head covering. Instead, she styled her blonde hair in a voluminous bouffant that cascaded to her shoulders—an eye-catching choice at such a solemn occasion.
She paired the bold hairstyle with a sleek, black double-breasted blazer, a pleated skirt that fell below the calf, and a coordinating turtleneck—modern, elegant, and slightly unconventional.
She wasn’t alone in stepping outside of tradition. Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni arrived in a tailored black pantsuit without a veil, while Olena Zelenska, wife of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, also chose not to wear a head covering during the ceremony at St. Peter’s Basilica.
Though the Vatican recommends modest black attire and head coverings for women attending papal funerals, several prominent figures opted for more contemporary interpretations of respectful mourning attire—sparking discussion across both fashion and political circles.