Spain's Sánchez shares tense handshake with Trump amid Nato tensions
Spain’s Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez met US President Donald Trump in Egypt on Monday for their first encounter since Trump threatened to expel Spain from Nato. The brief meeting, held to sign the Gaza peace agreement, included a handshake that drew immediate attention for its characteristic Trump-style power play.
In a moment typical of the US President, Trump pulled Sánchez slightly toward him before releasing his hand. Sánchez responded with a diplomatic smile, managing to appear cordial while visibly uneasy. Observers noted the handshake as a subtle display of authority, though no major diplomatic incident occurred despite the heightened tensions.
The encounter comes just days after Trump criticized Spain for its low defence spending, calling it “a laggard” among Nato members and suggesting it be removed from the alliance. Sánchez has resisted increasing Nato contributions to the 5 percent of GDP target, citing economic constraints, while maintaining a pro-Palestinian stance that occasionally diverges from Washington’s approach.
Body language experts and Spanish diplomats alike were relieved that the interaction remained civil. Following the handshake, Trump spoke positively of Sánchez, praising Spain’s efforts while lightly referencing defence spending. “Are you working here on the issue of GDP? We'll get to that. You are doing a fantastic job,” Trump said during his address to assembled leaders.
Sánchez and Trump previously crossed paths at international summits, including the 2019 G20 in Osaka and a 2018 United Nations reception in New York, though these encounters were largely ceremonial. Monday’s meeting in Egypt, limited to formal greetings and the peace agreement signing, similarly avoided deeper bilateral negotiations.
The episode underscores the delicate balancing act for Sánchez as Spain navigates Nato obligations, transatlantic diplomacy, and its regional foreign policy priorities amid a US administration unafraid of blunt public criticism.
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