PARIS
At the global economic summit in Davos, a pair of sunglasses became an unexpected focal point of diplomatic tension.
French President Emmanuel Macron wore reflective shades throughout the gathering, ostensibly for a minor eye condition, but they quickly evolved into a symbolic accessory.
The sunglasses dominated news coverage, drew a direct jab from U.S. President Donald Trump, and inspired a wave of online memes—including an AI-generated video spoof casting Macron as a fighter pilot set to the Top Gun anthem “Danger Zone.”
“Those beautiful sunglasses,” Trump quipped during his address. “What the hell happened?”
While Macron’s team explained the glasses were medically necessary, their prominence and Trump’s pointed remark highlighted the subtle, often visual politics of friction between the two leaders on the world stage.
By James Kisoo
