President Donald Trump sat next to Merkel facing photographers and video cameras before their joint press conference later Friday afternoon. When photographers asked for a handshake, Merkel leaned over to Trump and seemed to ask him to shake hands.
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Trump and Merkel don't shake hands during awkward interaction in Oval Office
The reception of German Chancellor Angela Merkel at the White House on Friday seemed less than warm.
President Donald Trump and Germany's chancellor, Angela Merkel.
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Trump didn't appear to respond to the question, and he didn't look over at Merkel as she leaned over to speak to him. It's unclear if it was a deliberate snub or unintentional.
During his campaign, Trump accused Merkel of "ruining Germany" with liberal refugee policies, which some critics argue could make countries more susceptible to terrorism.
Before the awkward interaction on Friday, Trump told those gathered in the room, "Send a good picture back to Germany, please. Make sure." Asked how his talk with Merkel went, he replied, "Good."
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Photos from earlier in the day show Trump and Merkel shaking hands.
Watch the awkward interaction:
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