Donald Trump ignores handshake request from Angela Merkel in front of cameras at White House meeting

It's long been customary for heads of state to shake each other's hands for the cameras when they meet - but Donald Trump is not like most.

In a truly cringe-worthy scene, the US President appeared to completely blank requests to shake his guest Angela Merkel's hand.

In awkward video footage, reporters can be heard asking the pair to shake hands for what was meant to be a smiling photo op - marking the German chancellor's first visit to the White House under Trump.

Thinking he hadn't heard, Merkel appears to gently asks him: "Do you want to do the handshake?"

While he had shaken Merkel's hand on her arrival to the White House, Trump seems to completely ignore the simple request during their joint appearance and continues staring straight ahead.

Looking slightly embarrassed, Merkel turns to the cameras smiling and slightly grimacing.

Trump's apparent snub of Merkel is a far cry from Theresa May's visit to the White House where Trump and the British PM were pictured hand in hand.

Downing Street later said that Trump had offered May his hand as they walked down a ramp in a “chivalrous gesture”.

Following the awkward photo op, Merkel and Trump held meetings where they discussed trade and Nato.

During a joint press conference, Trump joked the at least he and Merkel had wiretapping "in common" - referencing claims that he and the German leader were put under surveillance under the Obama administration.

Merkel and Trump's relationship has been tense in the past - although both leaders said Friday's meetings had been very good.

Trump has previously criticized Merkel accusing her of "ruining" Germany for allowing Syrian refugees into the country.

Meanwhile Merkel has slammed Trump's travel ban against people from Muslim-majority countries.

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