During Pope Francis’ funeral on April 26, a surprising interaction between Donald Trump and Emmanuel Macron caught attention. As world leaders gathered at the Vatican, Trump also met Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy for the first time since their tense White House meeting.
Before their private discussion inside St. Peter’s Basilica, Trump was seen pulling Macron aside. According to professional lip reader Nicola Hickling, Trump told Macron, “You are not in the right.” Hickling explained, “Trump said, ‘I need you to do me a favour, you should not be here.’” Zelenskyy reportedly nodded in agreement while a nearby vicar looked visibly concerned.
During what’s been dubbed a “mini peace summit,” Zelenskyy expressed caution, saying, “I would like you to do that, but not this way.” Trump responded, “It’s a very interesting strategy. You have reassurance.”
A White House official described their meeting as “very productive,” and Zelenskyy later tweeted, “Hoping for results on everything we covered. Protecting lives of our people.”
Meanwhile, Trump faced criticism for allegedly breaking funeral protocols.
