Trump Refused to Shake Hand with Me, He’s an Attention Seeker: Merkel
Former German Chancellor Angela Merkel has revealed a peculiar incident involving US President Donald Trump, where he refused to shake her hand during a meeting in the Oval Office in March 2017. In a recent interview, Merkel shared the surprising story, calling Trump an attention seeker and urging Europe not to be intimidated by his tariff threats.
Merkel, who served as the Chancellor of Germany from 2005 to 2021, had a complex relationship with Trump during his presidency. Despite their differences, they did meet on several occasions, including the infamous G7 summit in 2018, where Trump famously clashed with other world leaders over trade policies and climate change.
In her recent interview, Merkel spoke about one specific meeting with Trump that left her surprised and puzzled. According to Merkel, she had suggested that they shake hands before the meeting, but Trump refused to do so.
“I made the mistake of saying, ‘Donald, we should shake hands,’ and he didn’t,” Merkel recalled. “I thought that was quite strange.”
Merkel’s comments come as no surprise, given the tumultuous relationship between Trump and many world leaders, including Merkel. Trump’s unconventional approach to diplomacy and his tendency to prioritize his own interests over those of his allies have often led to friction and controversy.
Merkel’s criticism of Trump is not limited to his handshake habits. She has also publicly condemned his tariff policies, which she believes are harmful to the global economy and threaten the stability of the European Union.
“Donald Trump thinks that countries are in competition with each other, and that is not the case,” Merkel said. “We are friends, we are allies, and we have a common goal. We need to work together to achieve that goal.”
Merkel’s comments are a stark reminder of the challenges posed by Trump’s presidency and the impact it has had on global politics. Throughout his presidency, Trump’s words and actions have often been seen as divisive and unpredictable, leading to uncertainty and anxiety among world leaders.
Despite these challenges, Merkel remains committed to working with other world leaders to promote global cooperation and address the pressing issues of our time. As she emphasized in her recent interview, the interests of countries are not mutually exclusive, and cooperation is essential to achieving common goals.
In conclusion, Merkel’s comments about Trump’s handshake habits may seem trivial, but they reflect a broader concern about Trump’s approach to diplomacy and his impact on global politics. As the world continues to navigate the complexities of international relations, it is essential that leaders like Merkel remain committed to promoting cooperation and understanding, even in the face of adversity.
