Trump has his own style of making friends – and enemies
It looks like US President Donald Trump has his own way of showing friendliness or contempt for the people he associates with – including foreign national leaders.
During the first leg of his foreign trip last week, Trump showed great respect for his hosts in Saudi Arabia – despite the fact that this country is not a democracy and has a poor human rights record.
But later on the trip, Trump suddenly metamorphosed into a stern instructor. He chastised his European hosts for “not paying enough” into Nato’s defence budget. Critics were quick to describe the US president’s manner at this time as “extremely overbearing”.
Observers analysed the way Trump shook hands with France’s newly elected President Emmanuel Macron during their one-on-one meeting. Trump tried to pull the new French leader into a hug, but Macron refused to comply.
Readers might also recall German Chancellor Angela Merkel’s visit to the White House in March. Trump was asked whether he would like to shake the hand of his lady guest. He steadfastly refused with a deadpan expression.
Vint Chavala
