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Following the circulation of a “shocking” video showing French President Emmanuel Macron allegedly being “slapped” by his wife aboard the presidential plane, former U.S. President Donald Trump weighed in, offering some marital advice to his French counterpart.

The incident occurred on Sunday when Macron‘s plane landed in Vietnam, the first stop on a week-long tour of Southeast Asia.

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Trump‘s Advice
During an interview in the Oval Office on Friday, Fox News correspondent Peter Doocy asked Trump: “Do you have any marital advice, from one world leader to another (for Macron)?” – prompting laughter from those present.

Trump, who has been married three times, gave a wry smile and replied: “Make sure the door stays shut. That didn’t go well.” His comment drew more laughter, and he added: “No, I spoke to him – he’s fine.”

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The Associated Press captured footage of Emmanuel and Brigitte Macron on the plane in Vietnam. The French president’s office confirmed the video’s authenticity, stating it simply showed the couple “playfully teasing” one another.

Right-wing influencer Benny Johnson reacted to Trump’s comments on platform X (formerly Twitter), jokingly writing: “Another classic Trump off-the-cuff piece of advice.”

Comedian Russell Brand – who was accused of rape last month – also commented on the video, where Brigitte Macron appears to push her husband: “They’re desperately trying to cover up the fact that Brigitte slapped Macron. Nothing says ‘power couple’ like a slap in the face aboard an airplane.”

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The Slap Clip
A bizarre video of the French president and his wife went viral after showing what seemed to be a slap as they exited their plane in Vietnam.

Filmed Sunday night at Hanoi airport, the footage shows the aircraft doors open with Macron standing inside, giving his wife a stern look. Within seconds, Brigitte raises both arms toward Macron’s face in what appears to be a light tap.

Looking stunned, Macron quickly realizes the doors are open, turns to wave to the cameras below the steps, and then exits the plane alongside his wife. He extends his hand toward Brigitte, but she grabs the plane’s railing instead—possibly indicating a heated argument prior to disembarkation.

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Macron Responds
Speaking to reporters in Hanoi on Monday, Macron said: “There’s a video showing me joking with my wife, and suddenly it turns into a geo-planetary disaster, with people inventing all kinds of theories.”

He acknowledged the footage was real but criticized how it had been interpreted: “Yes, the videos are authentic. And yes, sometimes they’re manipulated. But people are now attributing ridiculous and baseless meanings to them.”

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Initially, the Élysée Palace denied that any incident occurred aboard the plane, but later played down the significance.

A source close to the president told CNN-affiliate BFM TV: “It was just a light spat between the couple,” describing the scene as a “moment of closeness.”

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A Rocky Relationship
The relationship between Trump and Macron has often been tense, strained by disagreements over the ongoing war in Ukraine and Trump’s recent decision to impose sweeping global tariffs affecting nearly all U.S. trading partners, including France.

In a speech in Singapore on Friday, Macron stated: “Let me be clear: France is a friend and ally of the United States. France is a friend, and we cooperate with China—even if we sometimes disagree and compete with them.”

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