[WATCH] Trump snubs Merkel’s handshake during first meeting

Donald Trump appeared to snub Angela Merkel’s hand during the first joint appearance at the White House.

While the US President greeted the German chancellor with a handshake upon her arrival to the White House, he appeared to ignore her requests to do so as they sat together on a couch later in front of TV cameras.

In footage of the photo opportunity, as photographers call for the two to shake hands, Merkel can be heard saying: “Do you want to have a handshake?”

Trump briefly turns towards her, but continues sitting with his legs apart and hands clasped together.

During their first meeting, the fundamental differences between the two global leaders was exposed. Merkel used the opportunity to defend her stance in favour of protecting refugees, globalisation and “win-win” trade deals, while Trump again used the word “radical Islamic terrorism” and laid out an economic nationalist vision that would put US workers first.

Trump also stood by claims that he was wiretapped under Barack Obama, telling Merkel at a press conference: “At least we have something in common, perhaps”.

US intelligence agencies under Obama reportedly monitored Merkel’s personal phone, sparking an angry response from Germany.