King Charles uses clever manoeuvre to stop Donald Trump's 'power move'

Svar Nanan-Sen
Tue, 28 Apr 2026 11:28:09 +0000

Video footage shared on social media captured the moment President Trump and the First Lady welcomed King Charles and Queen Camilla to the White House.

As the monarch stepped from his vehicle, President Trump reached out to shake hands.

What followed appeared to be a back-and-forth tussle, with the President seemingly attempting his well-known handshake manoeuvre.

Body language experts have previously characterised this technique as an intentional power move, where Donald Trump firmly grasps someone's hand before suddenly yanking them towards him.

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The King, however, proved more than ready for the challenge.

Rather than being pulled forward, King Charles held his ground and drew his own hand back, effectively neutralising the President's approach.

Users on the social media platform were quick to praise how the monarch handled the encounter.

"Proud of King Charles. You can clearly see the tugging in the handshake, the King pulled back more than once as well," one person commented.

Another observed: "The royals have had far too much practice at hand-shaking to try that with them."

One user declared: "He's a professional, Trump can learn from a real king!"

A further comment read: "Can someone please teach President Trump how to shake hands?"

The reactions highlighted widespread admiration for the King's composed response, with many noting his decades of experience meeting dignitaries had clearly prepared him well.

Criticism also emerged over Mr Trump placing his hand on the King's arm whilst the pair walked into the White House, with some accusing the President of violating Royal protocol.

A common belief holds that touching the monarch without invitation constitutes a breach of etiquette.

Yet the Royal Family's official website makes clear this is a misconception.

"The King and Queen meet thousands of people each year in the UK and overseas. Before meeting Their Majesties, many people ask how they should behave.

“The simple answer is that there are no obligatory codes of behaviour - just courtesy," the website states.