US President Donald Trump greeted German Chancellor Angela Merkel at the White House with a handshake upon her arrival, before they began talks in the Oval Office on Friday.
However, as both leaders sat for the photo opportunity in front of TV cameras, Trump – who is known to be enthusiastic with his greeting – snubbed Merkel’s request for a handshake.
Watch a snippet of this awkward interaction at the Oval Office.
Trump earlier told photographers to "send a good picture back to Germany, please." He said the leaders had had "very good" talks so far, while Merkel praised the "friendly reception."
Towards the end, however, when media persons asked for a “handshake”, there was no response from the president. He simply looked ahead with his hands clasped.
The situation got even more awkward when Trump continued to ignore the chancellor after she asked what sounded like "do you want to have a handshake?" Merkel then turned away to look at the cameras.
Trump spent a good part of 2016 bashing the chancellor, accusing her of "ruining" Germany for allowing an influx of refugees into Germany.
The meeting between the leader of Europe's largest economy and the US president was billed as one that could help determine the future of the transatlantic alliance and shape their working relationship.
(With inputs from Reuters and AP)
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