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The United States president and Mr Macron gazed into each others eyes as they both opted for a firm grip, complete with white knuckles and grimaces.

But it was the French president who appeared to keep the handshake going as Mr Trump attempted to pull away.

France 24’s White House pool reporter Philip Crowther, who was on the scene, said both leaders’ jaws clenched as a result.

He said: "The two presidents, each wearing dark suits and blue ties (Trump's was thick and royal blue; Macron's was skinny and navy) sat in antique cream-upholstered arm chairs, with two American and French flags behind them.