The King arrived in Washington, D.C. with Queen Camilla on April 27 for an official state visit, where they were welcomed at the White House by Trump and Melania Trump.
Soon after, clips of their first interaction spread across social media, with many viewers closely analyzing Trump’s handshake. Some claimed he reached for the King’s hand and tried to pull it inward, interpreting it as an assertive or dominating gesture. Others praised Charles for holding his ground and not reacting.
Online reactions were quick to frame the moment as a subtle power struggle, with some suggesting Trump’s handshake style was intentionally forceful, while the King appeared steady and unfazed. Another moment also drew criticism, when Trump briefly placed a hand on Charles’s arm while guiding him inside, something a few viewers argued crossed royal etiquette.
However, several body language experts have offered a different perspective.