ADVERTISEMENT

Trump and Merkel don't shake hands during awkward interaction in Oval Office

The reception of German Chancellor Angela Merkel at the White House on Friday seemed less than warm.

President Donald Trump and Germany's chancellor, Angela Merkel.

President Donald Trump sat next to Merkel facing photographers and video cameras before their joint press conference later Friday afternoon. When photographers asked for a handshake, Merkel leaned over to Trump and seemed to ask him to shake hands.

ADVERTISEMENT

Trump didn't appear to respond to the question, and he didn't look over at Merkel as she leaned over to speak to him. It's unclear if it was a deliberate snub or unintentional.

During his campaign, Trump accused Merkel of "ruining Germany" with liberal refugee policies, which some critics argue could make countries more susceptible to terrorism.

Before the awkward interaction on Friday, Trump told those gathered in the room, "Send a good picture back to Germany, please. Make sure." Asked how his talk with Merkel went, he replied, "Good."

ADVERTISEMENT

Photos from earlier in the day show Trump and Merkel shaking hands.

Watch the awkward interaction:

FOLLOW BUSINESS INSIDER AFRICA

Unblock notifications in browser settings.
ADVERTISEMENT

Recommended articles

Sony’s creators convention redefines the creative landscape for content creators

Sony’s creators convention redefines the creative landscape for content creators

Egypt, Nigeria, and South Africa ranked as Africa's most polluted countries in new report

Egypt, Nigeria, and South Africa ranked as Africa's most polluted countries in new report

10 African countries with the lowest life expectancy according to the World Bank

10 African countries with the lowest life expectancy according to the World Bank

Kenyan women are more obese than their men - here’s why

Kenyan women are more obese than their men - here’s why

Africa’s richest man Dangote stands between Europe and $17 billion in revenue

Africa’s richest man Dangote stands between Europe and $17 billion in revenue

After months of exchanging blows, Kenya and Uganda takes steps towards resolution

After months of exchanging blows, Kenya and Uganda takes steps towards resolution

Africa's first black billionaire could join $2.9 billion Vivendi bid for MultiChoice

Africa's first black billionaire could join $2.9 billion Vivendi bid for MultiChoice

10 most dangerous African countries in 2024

10 most dangerous African countries in 2024

Russia’s nuclear influence expands further north of Africa

Russia’s nuclear influence expands further north of Africa

ADVERTISEMENT