Was that dandruff on Macron's lapel?

French President Emmanuel Macron (L) looks on as US President Donald Trump flicks a bit of dandruff off his jacket, in Washington on Tuesday. REUTERS

US President Donald Trump on Tuesday made a show of flicking dandruff from the suit collar of visiting French President Emmanuel Macron, saying it was a sign of the two leaders' "very special relationship."

Trump made the surprise gesture as Macron, who is on a state visit to Washington, stood at his side for a photo opportunity in the White House's Oval Office.

"We have a very special relationship, in fact, I'll get that little piece of dandruff off... We have to make him perfect, he is perfect," Trump said to a laughing Macron.