Overview

• The incident unfolded on May 25 as Brigitte Macron appeared to push President Macron’s face while disembarking their plane in Hanoi.
• After initial Élysée doubts the presidency confirmed the footage was genuine and Macron called the fallout a “planetary catastrophe” despite downplaying it as a private joke.
• On May 29 in Jakarta the couple mock-recreated the moment with a playful wave from their presidential plane to signal unity and self-mockery.
• Russian state media and French far-right accounts amplified the clip and earlier footage to fuel conspiracy theories about their marriage and Macron’s conduct.
• Donald Trump told reporters on May 30 that he had spoken with Macron and that the couple were “fine” as their Southeast Asia tour, which has secured €17 billion in Indonesian contracts, moves forward.