Speculation increased when lip reader Nicola Hickling analyzed the footage, suggesting informal remarks may have been exchanged. These claims, however, remained unverified and added to the controversy.
Body language experts also weighed in, noting that Emmanuel Macron appeared somewhat sidelined during the interaction. Observers debated whether the moment reflected underlying diplomatic tension.
A separate clip from the summit showed Trump briefly assisting Brigitte Macron when she appeared to lose balance. Even this gesture was closely analyzed, reflecting how closely such interactions are scrutinized.
