Tensions between the U.S. and France over the Russia-Ukraine conflict appeared to ripple into Pope Francis’ funeral, with French President Emmanuel Macron seemingly snubbing Donald Trump during a brief encounter. Before the liturgy honoring the pope’s life, Trump met with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky in hopes of advancing a peace deal with Russia, while Macron had his own warm exchange with Zelensky beforehand.
A moment between Macron and Trump — an awkward, missed handshake captured on video — fueled speculation that Macron intentionally withheld the same professionalism he showed Zelensky. Although they were later seen holding hands during the sign of peace, encouraged by Melania Trump, the strain between the two leaders was clear. Recent tensions over how much financial aid Europe has provided to Ukraine, compared to the U.S., had already soured what was once a famous “bromance.” And what happened next at the Vatican ceremony only added more fuel to the fire.
At the pope’s burial, protocol missteps by both U.S. and French representatives did not go unnoticed. President Biden wore a blue tie instead of the traditional black, Trump wore a blue suit, and Brigitte Macron, the French first lady, broke customs by leaving her head uncovered — opting for a bouffant hairstyle instead of a black veil as required.
Other world figures, including Spain’s Queen Letizia and Norway’s Crown Princess Mette-Marit, observed the dress code, but Brigitte’s bold choice stood out, as did Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni and Ukrainian First Lady Olena Zelenska, who also skipped the veil. Brigitte wore a black double-breasted blazer, a long pleated skirt, and a turtleneck, blending solemnity with a touch of defiance. Meanwhile, despite all the political tension, Trump and Zelensky publicly called their private meeting “very symbolic” and “potentially historic,” hinting at a fragile hope for cooperation amid a deeply divided international stage.
