On Monday, Canadian Prime Minster Justin Trudeau arrived to meet with President Trump for the first, signaling the beginning of a new era in relations between the U.S. and its northern neighbor.
One of the saddest things about President Obama leaving office was seeing the end of a beautiful bromance between the two neighboring nation’s leaders, a diplomatic relationship that appeared to be more of a true friendship.
But a relationship with Trump was bound to be something quite different, as we have already seen in the way the president interacts with other world leaders. The president appears unconcerned about maintaining positive bonds with allies, nor keeping a safe distance from foes. He wants only to dominate and appear superior to whomever he is meeting.
Which is why the moment Trudeau and Trump met was met with much anticipation. We have already seen the way Trump attempts to emasculate colleagues through a simple handshake. Whether it be with Japanese Prime Minster Shinzo Abe or his SCOTUS nominee Neil Gorsuch, no one is safe from Trump’s jerky handshake.
Which is why the handshake between Trudeau and Trump was so impressive. The entire time, Trudeau remained in control, not allowing his arm to be yanked or shaken. If you didn’t know the handshake history of our POTUS, that wouldn’t be a big deal at all.
Still, Trudeau’s control while shaking Trump’s hand seems indicative of how the prime minister will handle the POTUS.
It remains to be seen whether Trump and Trudeau will have a relationship anything like that between the Canadian P.M. and President Obama, but we do know that Trudeau will not be yanked around.
Watch.
President Trump welcomes Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau to the White House. https://t.co/n7TqA3VDnW pic.twitter.com/5TcpyDfZx5
— ABC News (@ABC) February 13, 2017
