Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s attempt to align himself with Donald Trump’s high-profile Gaza peace deal took an embarrassing turn.
What was supposed to be a moment of statesmanship in Sharm el-Sheikh ended in awkward silences, snubs, and political jabs that played out in front of the world’s media.
Starmer had traveled to Egypt for the signing ceremony of Trump’s Middle East peace plan, but what unfolded was more humiliation than headline-grabbing diplomacy - and Trump is getting the blame.
Starmer’s Stage Misstep
World leaders gathered at the Red Sea resort to mark what Trump called a “historic agreement” aimed at ending the conflict between Israel and Hamas. But as the cameras rolled, Sir Keir was left sidelined.
Arriving several hours late, Mr. Trump took his time meeting freed Hamas hostages in Israel before landing in Sharm el-Sheikh. When he finally appeared, the president delivered a lengthy speech — calling out countries alphabetically, starting with Paraguay and Norway — while Starmer waited in the background.
“Where is the United Kingdom? Come here,” Trump eventually said, prompting Starmer to raise his hand and approach with a quip: “Behind you as usual.”
The two shook hands, exchanged brief pleasantries — “Is everything going good?” Trump asked, to which Starmer replied: “Very good” — before the president turned his back and continued speaking.
The Prime Minister, left without an invitation to speak, returned silently to his position among the leaders.
The moment was very awkward.
The Internet Reacts
People were either laughing or cringing at the awkward moment, but some have taken a more serious tone and have accused Trump of "humiliating" Starmer.
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."
A second added: "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."
Yikes.
Starmer Responds
In an attempt to save face, 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.”
But critics weren’t convinced. An earlier statement from the US ambassador to Israel had already dismissed claims that the UK played a “key role” in the deal, calling one British minister “delusional,” per the Daily Mail.
Awkward Macron-Trump Exchange Caught on Camera
Starmer wasn’t the only leader navigating uneasy diplomacy. French President Emmanuel Macron also had a notably tense interaction with Trump during the ceremony.
As the two leaders shook hands, what began as a friendly embrace quickly devolved into what appeared to be a low-key power struggle. The pair gripped each other's arms tightly, their hands swinging side to side in a display more intense than diplomatic.
Lip reader Nicola Hickling told the Daily Mail the encounter carried more emotional weight than a casual greeting: “Nice to see you, so you agreed?” Trump reportedly asked Macron. After the French leader muttered something inaudible, Trump pressed him further: “Are you being genuine?”
“Of course,” Macron replied, according to Hickling.
Trump then tightened his grip and followed with: “Okay, so now I want to know why, you hurt me. I already know.”
He squeezed Macron’s hand once more as the French president looked down, avoiding the cameras. The cryptic exchange comes just weeks after Macron was seen mocking Trump alongside other world leaders.