The Atlantic

Donald and Angela's Awkward Adventure

During a press conference with the German chancellor, President Trump lied about his claims of wiretapping, berated a reporter, and poked at American allies.
Source: Jonathan Ernst / Reuters

Early Friday afternoon, President Trump and German Chancellor Merkel held one of the more awkward photo ops in recent memory. Merkel sat, looking like she was trying hard to appear casual. Trump barely bothered, grimacing tightly. When photographers asked for a handshake, Merkel asked Trump if they should shake hands. He either did not hear or pretended not to.

As it turns out, this was only a warm-up for the the two leaders held later Friday afternoon, during which Merkel stood beside Trump as he ridiculed a German reporter, lied about his statements on his baseless conspiracy theory that President Obama surveilled him, and refused to back down on claims that

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