Trump appears to ignore Merkel request for handshake

President Trump on Friday appeared to ignore German Chancellor Angela Merkel’s proposal that they shake hands for photographers while meeting in the Oval Office. 

As members of the press gathered to take photos and video of the two world leaders, Merkel could be heard leaning toward Trump and asking, “Do you want to have a handshake?”

{mosads}Trump did not shake Merkel’s hand, in what some on social media characterized as a rejection of Merkel’s request. Trump continued to look straight at the cameras.

But the room was loud, and the president may not have heard Merkel. Trump did shake hands with her when they first entered the White House.

Trump has become known for his aggressive handshake style, and a video of him yanking Supreme Court nominee Neil Gorsuch’s arm during a handshake went viral. After shaking Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe’s hand, Trump complimented Abe’s “strong hands.”

Trump once praised Merkel back in 2015 but has since attacked her policies on immigration, slamming her decision to accept refugees into Germany. Merkel has also criticized Trump, condemning his executive order on refugees. 

Merkel and former President Barack Obama, in contrast, had a strong working relationship.