Donald trump's escapades as President of the United States of America are going to go down in history. The Trump years will be remembered for so many reasons; Russian scandals, nepotism, the terrified face of Melania, and possibly most of all, sex scandals.
The most recent incident, while grossly inappropriate and horribly uncomfortable, has given forth to an array of stunning responses on Twitter that provide a superb international commentary on the incident.
You're in such great shape
On July 14, outside Hôtel national des Invalides in Paris, Trump greeted Madame Brigitte Macron by telling her "You're in such good shape." He then turned to President Macron as if seeking his approval for the inappropriate comment saying, "She's in such good physical shape." As Madame Macron retreated for safety behind Melania, and who can blame her, Trump added, "Beautiful."
"You're in such good shape." pic.twitter.com/e7uQI2TJBj
— VICE News (@vicenews) July 15, 2017
As well as being completely inappropriate and uncalled for, the comments served to remind the world of Trump's consistently misogynistic approach to women, seemingly viewing them as sex objects and nothing more.
Twitter reacts
Within minutes of the clip being leaked, the people of Twitter came forward with some excellent responses.
A reader reacts to Donald Trump telling Brigitte Macron, "You're in such good shape" https://t.co/ZbOT4dJKY9 pic.twitter.com/3EU9Mh6kWc
— The New York Times (@nytimes) July 14, 2017
We all know that guy, right?
Brigitte Macron told "You're in such good shape" by Donald Trump, who is in several shapes.
— HaveIGotNewsForYou (@haveigotnews) July 14, 2017
Several shapes of wrong.
Our President, on the First Lady of France: "She’s in such good physical shape." pic.twitter.com/RDtTS24P40
— The Late Show (@colbertlateshow) July 14, 2017
Poor Melania.
Madame Macron after Trump leaves. pic.twitter.com/VXQZwUeras
— Robin Peters (@RobinPe89308539) July 14, 2017
There's not enough soap in the world.
"You’re in such good shape … beautiful."
— AJ+ (@ajplus) July 13, 2017
This is what President Trump said to the First Lady of France Brigitte Macron. pic.twitter.com/LFxF6byul1
Definitely enough to make you choke on your dinner.
Did Madame Macron get off lightly?
Considering Trump's previous comments about women he has encountered, some have responded with the suggestion that Madame Macron got off lightly and there is nothing to complain about.
After all, it was just a compliment.
In contrast, there is the now notorious statement, "When you're a star they let you do it, you can do anything. Whatever you want. Grab them by the pussy." which caused relatively little scandal when you take into account it was a conversation about his history of sexually assaulting women.
Then there was the time he referred to news anchor Megyn Kelly as a "bimbo" and suggested the only reason she grilled him was that she had blood coming out of her "whatever".
Nonetheless, what it simply reinforces is Trump's natural predatory instincts towards women. She was not greeted according to her status, not respected for her position of authority in the country he was visiting, but he targeted her body, her looks. He did not value her for who she is and what she does, but for how pleased he is with her body. This is far from complimentary. No form of unwanted sexual encounter is complimentary.
Will it ever end?
As the international community is continually left reeling by the behaviour of Trump, we are left asking, what's next?
Will these incidents ever stop happening?
Should he start treating women with more respect the world will be a better place, and the women he encounters may finally start to feel safer, but Twitter will lose one of its greatest sources of entertainment.