In the wake of recent tensions between Trump and the Macrons, a false claim has surfaced online. Since April 6, a wave of Spanish-speaking social media posts has alleged that the French President "ridiculed" Trump by sharing an “image of his wife alongside Jeffrey Epstein”.

The posts feature a purported leaked image from the Epstein files appearing to show disgraced financier Epstein, who died in prison in 2019, embracing and kissing Melania Trump. One specific post, shared on X on April 8, has already amassed nearly six million views.

No publication from Macron

One of the first to circulate the rumour appears to be Egyptian journalist Nabil Omran, who posted the image in question to Facebook on April 5 with the caption, "Macron avenges his dignity."

This is a direct reference to the controversy sparked by Donald Trump’s mockery of the Macrons on April 1. In a video posted to the White House YouTube channel – and since removed – the US president criticised Macron for failing to support the United States in its conflict with Iran.

Trump ridiculed the French president, saying, “I call up France, Macron - whose wife treats him extremely badly... he’s still recovering from the right to the jaw." This was a nod to an incident last May, where Brigitte Macron was filmed placing her hands on Macron’s face in a gesture resembling a slap as they exited the presidential plane.

On April 2, during a state visit to South Korea, the French president said that Trump's comments mocking...

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