macron's call was the most widely shared tweet ever from a french account, leading the french press to ask whether the french president was now the new leader of the free world. for newly elected 39-year-old emmanuel macron's first steps on the world stage were remarkably sure. >> congratulations. great job. >> reporter: as was his handshake with the american president. a handshake that was, said macron later, far from innocent. he wanted to show his strength. days later, macron welcomed to ver sigh another leader, vladimir putin also got a firm handshake and a challenge that few had had the courage to deliver so directly before. >> translator: precisely indicated to president putin the intentions of france concerning lbgt people in chechnya. we came to the agreement to follow this matter closely together. president putin indicating he will be taking measures to investigate the actions of local authorities in chechnya on this