White House

Trump seems to ignore requests for handshake with Merkel in the Oval Office

President Donald Trump and German Chancellor Angela Merkel meet in the Oval Office of the White House in Washington, DC, on March 17, 2017.
Saul Loeb | AFP | Getty Images

President Donald Trump appeared to ignore a request for a handshake with German Chancellor Angela Merkel before a joint press conference on Friday. The exchange quickly went viral.

The leaders were seated in the Oval Office posing for cameras when the press asked if the two would give them a handshake.

Merkel turned to look at Trump, who didn't respond or make eye contact with the chancellor. She then flashed a smile to the cameras.

@NBCNightlyNews: WATCH: Pres. Trump ignores German Chancellor Merkel when she asks him if he wants to do a handshake during photo op in Oval Office today.

The press conference was already less than warm, as Trump warned Merkel earlier that trade relations between Germany and the U.S. may be under review soon.

"The U.S. has been treated unfairly, and that's going to stop," Trump said.

The two leaders did ultimately shake hands later during the press conference.

Correction: This story has been updated to reflect when President Donald Trump appeared to ignore requests for a handshake with German Chancellor Angela Merkel.