Twitter disappointed over ‘historic’ but normal Trump-Putin handshake at G20

The highly-anticipated handshake has finally happened. US President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin met for the first time on the sidelines of the Group of 20 Summit in Hamburg, Germany, under the shadow of intense speculation of Russian meddling in the 2016 US presidential elections.

In a video of the brief informal exchange, posted by the German Cabinet on Facebook, between the leaders of the two biggest economies, Trump was seen outstretching his hand to Putin as officials gathered around a table, then patting Putin’s elbow as both men smiled. In another clip, Trump casually patted Putin on the back as they stood side by side.

Twitterati couldn’t stop ruminating if this would make it to Trump’s long list of awkward handshakes.

Lmao I can see the headlines now.. "Trump; Putin still locked in the longest boner inducing handshake ever recorded"

— Sean Pinkerton (@PnkrtnMusic) June 30, 2017

there are 3 outcomes of the first moments of the Trump/Putin meeting:
1) painful handshake
2) Trump goes for a hug
3) Putin dodges contact

— Laura (@tailor31415) June 30, 2017

"Trump and Putin: A Love Story"

Trumps reaction after the handshake pic.twitter.com/QNzrwCrRs9

— Michelle Kos (@Kosselle) July 7, 2017

"Trump and Putin: A Love Story"

Trumps reaction after the handshake pic.twitter.com/QNzrwCrRs9

— Michelle Kos (@Kosselle) July 7, 2017

I wish Trump and Putin had practiced this handshake in advance of the #G20 pic.twitter.com/hAXcMLU66w

— BiffTannen34 (@BiffTannen34) July 7, 2017

Trump's handshake & backrub with Putin is the most UnAmerican thing that I've ever seen. (Since Trump's speech yesterday)#TrumpRussia pic.twitter.com/XBKXRGTxm2

— Scott Dworkin (@funder) July 7, 2017

Some, however, were left disappointed that Trump didn’t try out his ‘white-knuckle’ handshake that he did during his meeting with French President Emmanuel Macron in May.

Telling detail: Trump didn't try out his jerky, log-sawing, alpha-male handshake on Putin.

By day's end, Putin will probably annex Florida.

— Brent Shepherd (@ShepcatZero) July 7, 2017

Anyone else notice Trump didn't dare try that macho handshake with Putin...I know an obedient dog when I see one...#whosagoodboy

— Bryent Wagner (@BryentWagner) July 7, 2017

Trump infamously famous handshakes - mostly awkward or aggressive - have been a subject of much discussion on social media. Be it the extremely long and firm handshake with Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, the jerky one with Secretary of State Rex Tillerson or the lack of one with Germany Chancellor Angela Merkel, the US President’s handshakes have never failed to draw international headlines.