A lip reader asserts that Donald Trump and Emmanuel Macron exchanged sharp words during a handshake at the Egypt peace summit. See what was “said,” and what experts are warning about interpreting lip reading.
At the recent Sharm El-Sheikh summit in Egypt, world leaders gathered to push forward on a ceasefire and peace deal between Israel and Hamas. But what caught attention wasn’t just the formal agreements — it was a tense moment during a handshake between Donald Trump and Emmanuel Macron.
A lip reader, Nicola Hickling, later claimed to decode parts of their exchange. According to her reading, the handshake transformed from a cordial greeting into something more confrontational.
🔍 What the Lip Reader Says
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As they shook hands, Trump reportedly said:
“Nice to see you, so you agreed?”
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Macron allegedly responded (facing away from cameras):
“Of course.”
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Then Trump supposedly pressed:
“Okay, so now I want to know why. You hurt me. I already know.”
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Macron replied:
“You will see what is about to happen.”
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Trump is said to have shot back:
“I’d like to see you do it. Do it. I’ll see you in a bit.”
The lip reader also reported that Trump turned to Macron saying, “I only hurt those who hurt others.”
⚠️ Context & Caution
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There is no independent verification of the lip reading claims. Major news outlets have reported the story, but none have confirmed that these exact words were spoken.
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Lip reading is not foolproof. Facial angles, lighting, and camera perspective can distort what really was said.
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Diplomats and aides often carry private side conversations, gestures, or body language signals that are never intended for public interpretation.
🧭 Why It Matters
Whether or not the exchange actually happened as reported, the viral claim taps into broader tensions:
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Trump and Macron have had a strained relationship in past summits.
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At high-stakes diplomacy moments — like those about Gaza — even small gestures or words can be amplified.
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Publicizing words from a private handshake may influence how people interpret their relationship, especially in the media.
✅ Final Takeaway
The lip reader’s claims offer a tantalizing glimpse into what might have been said — but without confirmation, they remain speculative. While it’s intriguing to imagine hidden exchanges behind powerful handshakes, it’s best to treat this more as political theater than confirmed fact.