The Media Go Into Attack Mode Over ‘Awkward’ Moment in Poland That Everyone’s Talking About
U.S. President Donald Trump and First Lady Melania Trump met with Polish President Andrzej Duda and his wife, Agata Kornhauser-Duda, on Thursday.
The official event was meant to signify the Trump administration’s re-establishing of relations with the U.S. ally in the context of a belligerent Russian adversary and lingering questions about military cooperation, including anti-ballistic missile defense.
Never mind all that, what did Melania Trump do to threaten the NATO alliance? Why, she greeted her Polish counterpart before the presidents shook hands.
The USA Today has the goods on the diplomatic situation:
On Thursday, Polish President Andrzej Duda and his wife, Agata Kornhauser-Duda, welcomed President Trump and first lady Melania Trump.
And it looked like Poland’s first lady was very ready to greet her U.S. counterpart.
The publication then points out that the president was passed over for his handshake with the Polish first lady, describing it as “awkwardness.” It goes on to point out the infamous hand swat incident, which also was of international importance.
Newsweek blared “Watch Donald Trump handshake rejected by Polish first lady in hilariously awkward exchange.”
British publication Express claims the first lady outright snubbed the president.
Donald Trump suffered an embarrassing moment as he attempted to shake the hand of the Polish president’s wife, who duly snubbed the US president.
Time reported outright: “Poland’s First Lady Doesn’t Want to Shake Trump’s Hand.”
Ouch? Or just a misreading of protocol?
Tommy Christopher of IJR’s The Response provides video evidence of the Polish first lady shaking Donald Trump’s hand via MSNBC:
In any event, Melania Trump garnered attention with her unconventional fashion choice, apparently another faux pas that will leave the European nobles chattering.
The presidential couple always knows how to get the world talking.
Editor’s note: This article has been updated to include additional media reaction.