Donald Trump entered the political arena in 2015 with a declaration that he did not view himself as a typical diplomat. He expressed confidence in his ability to forge strong relationships with world leaders, citing his prowess as a dealmaker. Despite these claims, his interactions with fellow heads of state have varied from tentative to strained since he rose to prominence on the global stage.
In one notable instance in March 2017, German Chancellor Angela Merkel visited the Oval Office in Washington, D.C. During a photo session, Merkel extended a handshake to Trump, who appeared unresponsive, sparking online attention. At a NATO summit in Brussels a few months later, Trump drew attention for pushing past Montenegro’s Prime Minister to secure a front-row position in a group photo.
Over time, Trump’s relationship with French President Emmanuel Macron has evolved, marked by initial episodes of prolonged handshakes and cheek kisses, progressing to a more publicly cordial dynamic. Notably, Trump once shared a private message from Macron on his social media platform, hinting at Macron’s impending departure from office.
Trump’s handshake style has also garnered scrutiny, with his tendency to pull or yank the arms of international leaders drawing attention. His extended handshake with Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe in 2017 and a similar incident with Paraguay’s President Santiago Peña showcased this behavior.
Noteworthy diplomatic moments include Trump’s historic meeting with North Korean leader Kim Jong-un in Singapore in 2018 and a public mention of a conversation with Finnish President Sauli Niinistö regarding forest management, which Niinistö later denied.
In a more recent incident, a tense exchange unfolded during a meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, where Trump and Vice President JD Vance criticized Zelenskyy’s perceived lack of gratitude, leading to a public dispute. Additionally, Trump’s remarks towards Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni and British Prime Minister Keir Starmer at the Gaza peace summit in 2025 sparked attention for their informal and unconventional nature.
During the same event, Trump mistakenly referred to Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney as the “president” of Canada, leading to a light-hearted exchange and a playful remark from Carney about his upgraded title. Trump’s humor continued as he joked about the possibility of Canada becoming a U.S. state during subsequent interactions with Carney.
Throughout his diplomatic engagements, Trump’s interactions with world leaders have often been marked by unconventional gestures and remarks, showcasing a distinctive approach to international relations.