Does Donald Trump Know How To Shake Hands? An Investigation

The answer is definitive.
|
Open Image Modal
Just doing our job.
Twitter and YouTube

The internet is on fire talking about a handshake. Specifically, a handshake between U.S. President Donald Trump and Japanese Prime Minister Shinzō Abe. It’s a weird handshake that goes on far too long even for Abe’s liking. Seriously. 

Open Image Modal
Twitter

This raises an important question: Does Donald Trump know how to shake hands with a fellow human being? We decided to take a deep dive in and find out. What we found is that the president has a tendency to pull powerful men toward him in a way that jerks them forward. It’s, uh, kind of strange. Don’t believe us? Here’s some proof. 

Here he is doing it with former CNBC talk show host Donny Deutsch.

Open Image Modal
YouTube

And here he is doing it with former “Apprentice” winner Bill Rancic. Notice he won’t let Rancic win.

Open Image Modal
YouTube

Here, in a handshake with Secretary of State Rex Tillerson, the forcefulness of both men leads to an awkward game of tug of war.

Open Image Modal
Twitter

Even Vice President Mike Pence is not immune to the Trump tug. 

Open Image Modal
YouTube

Nor is a very sad-looking Neil Gorsuch, Trump’s pick for the Supreme Court. 

Open Image Modal
YouTube

When Mitt Romney shook Trump’s hand a few years back, he tried to fight the tug. And he failed. 

Open Image Modal
YouTube

Somewhat oddly, Shinzō Abe didn’t get the full tug on Friday.

Open Image Modal
Twitter

But he was clearly weirded out by the Trump handshake experience all the same.

Open Image Modal
Twitter

So, does Donald Trump know how to shake hands? We’re going to go with no. 

Support HuffPost

At HuffPost, we believe that everyone needs high-quality journalism, but we understand that not everyone can afford to pay for expensive news subscriptions. That is why we are committed to providing deeply reported, carefully fact-checked news that is freely accessible to everyone.

Whether you come to HuffPost for updates on the 2024 presidential race, hard-hitting investigations into critical issues facing our country today, or trending stories that make you laugh, we appreciate you. The truth is, news costs money to produce, and we are proud that we have never put our stories behind an expensive paywall.

Would you join us to help keep our stories free for all? Your will go a long way.

Support HuffPost

Before You Go