A routine handshake between leaders of allied nations turned into a 10-second tug-of-war at the White House on Monday. When President Donald Trump and First Lady Melania Trump greeted King Charles III and Queen Camilla, Trump attempted his trademark 'clasp and yank' handshake technique.
The Infamous Handshake
Trump's handshake involves pulling the other person's hand toward him, sometimes repeatedly, while vigorously shaking it up and down and patting with his other hand. This gesture has become notorious in diplomatic circles, with a dedicated Wikipedia page chronicling his handshakes with world leaders.
However, video footage of the encounter shows King Charles resisting the pull and standing firm, refusing to be drawn into Trump's attempt at dominance. Social media erupted with reactions, many declaring the king the winner of the exchange.
Social Media Reacts
Observers noted that Trump's hand appeared 'swollen and discolored' during subsequent photo opportunities with their spouses. Comments on X (formerly Twitter) highlighted the king's composure: 'Trump tried hard with his gangrenous hand to do his stupid handshake pull, and the King clowned him,' wrote one user. Another remarked, 'Decades of handshake practice with those sausages has paid off.'
This is not the first time Trump's handshake has caused awkwardness. He previously engaged in a lengthy 19-second handshake with then-Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe in 2017 and had an uncomfortable moment with French President Emmanuel Macron in October 2025.
A History of Handshake Controversies
Trump's 'clasp and yank' technique has been a recurring topic of discussion, often seen as a tactic to assert dominance. However, King Charles, with decades of diplomatic experience, appeared unfazed. Many social media users praised the monarch for not yielding, with one comment stating, 'Can't pull that frat boy s*** on the King, Donny Boy.'
The incident has sparked widespread commentary, with the hashtag #HandshakeAMania trending briefly. While the handshake lasted only 10 seconds, its implications resonated across diplomatic and social media circles, highlighting the subtle power dynamics in international relations.
