Psychologist Reveals Shocking Reason Behind Trump’s Signature Move When Outsmarted by World Leaders

Ever wondered what secrets lie hidden in a simple handshake? Well, buckle up—because Donald Trump’s signature grip isn’t just a casual greeting; it’s a power play wrapped in a handshake! Known for stirring the pot from controversial tariffs to eyebrow-raising remarks about global conflicts, Trump has made headlines for everything but the subtle art of handshaking dominance. But recently, when he met with German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, the tables turned in a rare spectacle of who’s really calling the shots — and trust me, it wasn’t the 78-year-old Republican this time. A psychologist weighs in on what this tug-of-war means on the deeper level of control and communication, revealing the handshake as Trump’s secret weapon — and how it got brilliantly countered. Curious about the subtle battles fought in these brief but telling moments? Dive into the psychology behind the grip that’s got everyone talking. LEARN MORE.

A psychologist has explained the significance behind Donald Trump’s handshake.

The US President is known for a number of things and decisions that he’s made over his two terms in office.

Whether it be the controversial tariffs that he placed against China and other nations, the breakdown of his relationship with billionaire Elon Musk, or even his constant, scary reminders of the threat of a Third World War, Trump has never been shy to make headlines.

But a moment between Trump and the chancellor of Germany has made headlines as it is one of the rare times where it looks like the President was ‘outplayed’.

The clip of their encounter made headlines earlier this week, with the 78-year-old Republican seemingly being beaten at his own game – in a sense.

The President is not shy to a firm, gripping handshake (Win McNamee/Getty Images)

What is Trump’s ‘trademark move’?

As the President of the United States, Trump regularly meets a lot of powerful people, whether it be to discuss relations, wars, or trade deals, he usually meets fellow politicians in front of the press.

The former Apprentice star makes sure to assert his ‘dominance’ here, by pulling in the hand of the person that he meets.

Trump has been seen pulling many world leaders towards him mid-handshake.

But this did not fly when it came to his meeting with German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, who apparently ‘outplayed’ the 78-year-old.

How was Trump ‘outplayed’?

Trump met with Chancellor Merz at the White House last week to speak about Ukraine, trade, and the military.

But for once, this wasn’t the talking point on social media.

It was to do with the 69-year-old Merz seemingly playing the Uno reverse card, and having a back-and-forth tussle with Trump when the pair shook hands.

The video went viral, as the German stood firm when Trump tried to pull him in, even pulling the US leader towards him.

Many people took to online platforms to praise the German, who countered Trump’s ‘signature move’ for what many think to be the first time.

However, experts have now dissected the handshake.

Chancellor Merz got the best of Trump (BRENDAN SMIALOWSKI/AFP via Getty Images)

Psychologist’s explanation on why Trump does it

Dr Claudia Diez is a professor of psychology in New York, and she claimed that Trump does the handshake to display control and power of the other person.

Speaking to MailOnline, she explains: “The predator signals he is in control by determining distance of the arm (bring in, push forward) and length of the shake, which the pray cannot consent nor exert control off.”

Dr Diez specifically analysed Trump’s interaction with French President Emmanuel Macron, as the latter tried to pull away from the handshake before giving up control.

She compares him to being the ‘prey’, despite looking jovial and unaffected by the move.

Another body language expert, Tonya Reiman, has coined the technique as the ‘Trump Pump’, in an effort to ‘take an individual off guard’.

Reiman also advised readjusting your palm, stepping slightly to the left, or even matching his grip if anyone were to come across Trump.

She added that ‘bracing your elbows’ near your body could help you stay physically on top.

Take note, world leaders.