Trump and Merkel didn't shake hands in Oval Office photo op
WASHINGTON, D.C. -- A photo-op of the Oval Office meeting between the German Chancellor Angela Merkel and President Donald Trump ended on a slightly awkward note. Photographers, who were briefly ushered into the room, snapped photos of the two leaders, who were seated. The photographers could then be heard calling out, “Handshake” in order to get the obligatory photo of the two shaking hands. Mr. Trump didn’t respond, but Merkel could be heard saying something to him about a handshake, though most of what she said couldn’t be heard. Mr. Trump, who was not looking at her at the moment, may also not have heard her, but the moment appeared to be a little uncomfortable. Watch the end of the video here.
During the photo op, the president said that he had spoken with Merkel about “lots of things,” but made no remarks.
Though the two didn’t shake hands while cameras were in the room, the president did shake her hand at other times during her visit -- here’s a handshake upon her arrival.
...and during the news conference that came after their Oval Office meeting.
