Donald Trump says 'smart' and 'strong' Emmanuel Macron 'loves holding my hand'

Donald Trump has spoken out on his notorious handshake with French President Emmanuel Macron.

The handshake - which went on for a long time - was explained by Mr Trump in an interview with the New York Times.

The President commented multiple times that the French President enjoys "holding his hand".

He said: "He’s a great guy. Smart. Strong. Loves holding my hand."

Mr Trump later repeated this remark, commenting: " People don’t realize he loves holding my hand. And that’s good, as far as that goes."

Ramming the point home, he said a third time: "I mean, really. He’s a very good person. And a tough guy, but look, he has to be. I think he is going to be a terrific president of France. But he does love holding my hand."

Donald Trump is famous for his vice-like handshake, which has squashed the digits of other world leaders.

However, Mr Macron gave as good as he got, squeezing Donald Trump right back when they met last week.