Merz meets Trump: The mighty handshake in the White House!

Merz meets Trump: The mighty handshake in the White House!

Washington, D.C., USA - On June 5, 2025, Friedrich Merz, Chancellor of Germany, met Donald Trump in the White House. This meeting was described in advance as significant because it should treat topics such as the Ukraine War, the conflict in Gaza as well as Trump's customs policy and the role of the United States in NATO. Merz came in Washington D.C. and overnight in the Blair House, the president's guest house, which is considered a positive sign .

The first ritual of the encounter will, as usual, be the handshake between the two heads of state. Trump's hand beats are known to be a mixture of power games and nonchalance. He is considered someone who prefers "awkward, intensive and sometimes strange hand". Trump has developed an impressive style to keep control of the moment. Biographers describe his handshake technique as a kind of "grave and yank" that often serves to get the opposite out of balance .

body language as an instrument of power

The body language of the two leaders could be crucial for the success of the meeting. Merz, well prepared, must pay particular attention to possible escalations. Trump has already caused a stir at international meetings, for example his notorious 19-second handshake with Japan's Prime Minister Shinzo ABE, . In another case, Trump pulled up with Neil Gorsuch, the top judge, whose arm to himself and thus steered the conversation in a specific direction.

At many of his meetings, especially with Emmanuel Macron, Trump showed how body language is used strategically. With Macron, he had developed both long, intensive handshake and later a civilized handshake in order not to be portrayed by the media with unfavorable . The body language of politicians, explains body language expert Stefan Vera, is an important factor to signal both closeness and power.

The challenge for Merz

Merz will be a first test by the handshake with Trump. Trump is often perceived as physically awkward, which influences his gestures and interactions. Nevertheless, it is the power game that makes its hand beats so distinctive. Political experts suspect that the handshake between Merz and Trump says a lot about the extent to which the two leaders are able to find a common basis .

Trump's intersections are particularly well known in contact with other heads of state, such as a short handmade with Canada's Justin Trudeau or a hypothermic handshake with Angela Merkel. His encounter with Nancy Pelosi, who made her rejection clear to him, is also remembered .

The outcome of the meeting and the interactions in the consequences are closely observed by media. The body language of both politicians is seen as an indicator of success or failure of the negotiations. Today's meeting could be a significant decision in the geopolitical landscape of Europe and beyond .