Egypt became the center of the world on Monday as leaders met to discuss peace between Israel and Hamas.
And let’s just say, Trump didn’t exactly blend into the background.
Upgrading Mark Carney
It was supposed to be a serious diplomatic gathering — but leave it to Donald Trump to turn a high-profile peace summit into a mix of laughs, eyebrow-raises, and viral moments.
The event kicked off with a touch of comedy when Trump accidentally “upgraded” Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney to president — prompting Carney to stroll over and quip, “I’m glad you upgraded me to president.”
Trump, quick on his feet, replied: “At least I didn’t say governor,” jokingly covering his mouth and giving Carney’s arm a playful tap.
The playful tone didn’t stop there. During the same ceremony, Trump turned his attention to Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, delivering a comment that instantly grabbed headlines.
“I’m not allowed to say it because usually it’s the end of your political career if you say it,” he began, before adding with a grin: “She’s a beautiful young woman.”
He continued: “If you use the word ‘beautiful’ in the United States about a woman, that’s the end of your political career, but I’ll take my chances.”
Turning to Meloni directly, he asked: “You don’t mind being called beautiful, right? Because you are.”
But the lighthearted moments quickly gave way to awkward tension. Cameras soon captured what many viewers are calling a humiliating exchange between Trump and UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer, leaving online audiences both cringing and laughing at Starmer’s reaction.
Starmer’s attempt to align himself with Trump’s high-profile Gaza peace deal didn’t go as planned, turning what should have been a diplomatic highlight into an uncomfortable spectacle played out on the world stage.
Leaders from across the globe had gathered at Sharm el-Sheikh to witness Trump’s so-called “historic agreement” aimed at ending the conflict between Israel and Hamas. Instead, the event became a series of awkward silences and political snubs — and Trump drew much of the attention.
Starmer, standing off to the side, found himself visibly sidelined as Trump arrived several hours late following a visit with freed Hamas hostages in Israel. Once on stage, Trump launched into a lengthy speech, calling out countries alphabetically — while Starmer waited quietly in the background.
Eventually, Trump singled him out: “Where is the United Kingdom? Come here.”
Starmer stepped forward and joked lightly: “Behind you as usual.”
The two shook hands. “Is everything going good?” Trump asked. “Very good,” Starmer replied — only for Trump to turn away and continue addressing the crowd.
With no invitation to speak, Starmer quietly returned to his spot, a moment that was immortalized in photos and clips that quickly spread online, leaving viewers debating whether it was awkward diplomacy or a public humiliation.
Social Media Cringes
Reactions online ranged from amusement to outrage, with many accusing Trump of intentionally humiliating the British Prime Minister.
One X user wrote: “I’ve lost count of how many times Trump has humiliated Starmer this year, but this is by far the best. After listing a multitude of countries, the only person he invites to the podium is Starmer — and then brushes him off and sends him packing. Brutal.”
Another commented: “President Trump pretty much forgot that Keir Starmer was there, he then thought he was going to speak, the look on his face before he walked back.”
Attempting to reclaim the narrative, Starmer posted a photo of the handshake on social media, writing:
“President Trump, this is your achievement. I thank you for your tireless efforts to deliver this moment. The UK stands ready to support a full implementation of the peace plan.”
However, critics weren’t convinced. A U.S. ambassador to Israel had already downplayed the UK’s role, calling one British minister “delusional,” according to The Daily Mail.
Macron’s tense moment with Trump
As mentioned, Starmer wasn’t the only leader caught in an uncomfortable exchange. French President Emmanuel Macron also shared a tense on-camera moment with Trump.
As the two shook hands, what began as a cordial greeting quickly shifted into an intense, drawn-out grip. According to lip reader Nicola Hickling, Trump asked: “Nice to see you, so you agreed?” When Macron responded softly, Trump pressed again: “Are you being genuine?”
“Of course,” Macron replied.
Trump then tightened his grip and added cryptically: “Okay, so now I want to know why, you hurt me. I already know.”
The French leader looked down, visibly uncomfortable, as cameras continued to roll — a reminder that even on the world stage, diplomacy can turn personal in an instant.
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