A study in the politics of touch can be found in the relationship between Macron and Trump

 Thigh-patting, extended hand-holding, and other touch-heavy gestures that have become a hallmark of their public appearances were all on show at the meeting between French President Emmanuel Macron and U.S. President Donald Trump.

Since their first encounter early in Trump's first term, the two men have engaged in an uncommon level of physical contact, marking another chapter in a relationship where physical frequently speaks louder than words.

Macron executed his signature maneuver at the rendezvous Monday at the White House: praise laced with correction. Calling Trump “Dear Donald” four times in a single news conference, he underscored their shared goals, particularly on Ukraine. But when Trump declared that Europe would “get their money back” for supporting Kyiv, Macron gently corrected him, explaining that allies had given more than loans. A smiling Macron patted Trump's forearm and thigh and countered: “We provided real money.”

Macron's eyebrows rose in a look that wavered between interest and skepticism when Trump remarked about government workers who "don't even exist." Macron, however, chuckled when Trump turned to him and suggested that they travel to Fort Knox to "check if the gold is there because perhaps someone stole the gold." It was a moment of mutual camaraderie, and Macron automatically adopted the same mannerisms as his American opponent.

Macron's demeanor changed once more, his laughter becoming more serious when Trump veered back to applauding Elon Musk and suggesting that federal workers who did not answer a question from Musk's Department of Government Efficiency would have their salaries withheld.