Donald Trump has a large bruise on his hand after “shaking hands” with people, the White House has claimed.

Yesterday, the US President welcomed his French counterpart Emmanuel Macron to the White House where the pair posed in front of the waiting media whilst gripping one another’s hands enthusiastically.

The photo op became the latest in a series of instances between the two that have been notable not only for the substance of the comments but for the body language and length of embrace.

In a statement, White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt said: “President Trump is a man of the people.

“His commitment is unwavering, and he proves that every single day.”

“President Trump has bruises on his hand because he’s constantly working and shaking hands all day every day.”

Yesterday’s meeting with the French President was the first time that the bruising was noticed, with many speculating online as to the cause.

The two leaders had a tense exchange and a notably long handshake. On social media, people described the exchange as a “tug of war” while one user said Mr Trump “manhandled” his French counterpart.

Others commented that the enthusiasm shown by the two leaders was something more akin to a “bromance.”

The handshake was just one of many strange interactions between the pair, with the French premier being seen to remove the former real estate magnate’s hand from his thigh as the pair answered media questions.

The meeting between the two was Trump’s first of two with European leaders this week, as he prepares to host Prime Minister Keir Starmer in Washington on Thursday.

The hastily scheduled meetings are believed to be an attempt by leading European nations to persuade the US leader of their commitment to enhance their own security as well as an attempt to convince the President of the need to find a resolution to the conflict in Ukraine which does not hand Russia an invaluable strategic victory.

In yesterday’s press conference, Trump once again reiterated his belief that the conflict would not have started had he been in office, whilst Macron spoke of the desire amongst European nations to “step up” their efforts in support of Ukraine.