People think Donald Trump was just ‘outplayed’ by world leader on his own trademark move
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz clearly came prepared for his meeting with US President Donald Trump, and a moment from their encounter has captured the internet’s attention.
A video has gone viral showing Trump trying his well-known handshake move — where he pulls people in close to assert dominance — only for Merz to stop him in his tracks. Merz stayed steady, didn’t let Trump pull him in, and calmly kept control of the situation. Many people online praised Merz for staying composed and not falling for the usual trick.
Trump is known for being a divisive figure, and his return to the presidency in January at the age of 78 has already led to a series of bold and controversial decisions. Some of his policies have sparked major reactions across the country.
One of the biggest issues has been his tough stance on immigration. He ordered the deportation of hundreds of people labeled as “illegal aliens,” sending some to extremely dangerous prisons abroad. In Los Angeles, immigration raids by ICE have led to chaos, including riots and protests.
Trump also made headlines last month when he announced a ban on international students attending Harvard. The university strongly criticized the move, calling it a political attack that could hurt both Harvard and the country as a whole, especially its research and education.
Another major decision that’s drawn criticism is Trump’s approach to global trade. He introduced tariffs on goods from nearly every country, hoping to boost the US economy. But instead of helping, the move has backfired, hurting American businesses and consumers.
Despite the serious political issues, what caught people’s attention most recently was Trump’s failed handshake attempt with Merz. The two had gathered at the White House to discuss important topics like the situation in Ukraine, international trade, and military cooperation. But instead of policy, it was the awkward handshake that everyone ended up talking about.
People on social media reacted quickly. One post from NEXTA TV said Merz had clearly prepared and completely outmaneuvered Trump during the handshake. Commenters agreed, calling Trump’s attempt a “pathetic power play” and praising Merz for staying calm and not giving in. Some even said Merz turned Trump’s usual show of dominance into a powerful moment of his own.
It’s clear these two leaders won’t be rushing to shake hands again anytime soon.
