A widely shared image purports to show U.S. President Donald Trump attempting to kiss Brigitte Macron, the wife of French President Emmanuel Macron, during Trump’s visit to France in June 2026. The image also depicts French President Emmanuel Macron seemingly looking away with a strained expression.
However, this image originated as satire and was created using artificial intelligence.
The image first appeared online with a watermark identifying the creator as “Menacing Pansy,” the pseudonym of digital artist Rebecca Stafford. Stafford explicitly stated on her Facebook account that any work stamped with “Menacing Pansy” is satire. She posted the image on June 18, 2026, with the caption, “Sorry, I just had to. 😏 Satire.”
Several visual cues indicate the image is AI-generated. Most notably, Brigitte Macron’s thumb appears to merge with the white handbag she is holding, losing its distinct form.
Further evidence emerges when comparing the AI-generated image to authentic photographs from the event. Real photos from the meeting at the Palace of Versailles show Trump facing away from both the Macrons, not leaning in for a kiss. Additionally, a Reuters photograph reveals that the white floral design on Brigitte Macron’s dress, visible on one arm in real images, is incorrectly depicted as extending down both arms in the AI-generated image.
Authentic photos from the event do show Trump and Brigitte Macron engaging in the traditional French greeting of a light kiss on each cheek. However, none of these real photographs capture any instance of Brigitte Macron attempting to push Trump away or Trump being rejected in his greeting.
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