Donald Trump’s well-known handshake routine has drawn fresh attention online after footage appeared to show him encountering unexpected resistance from Paraguay’s president, Santiago Peña.
Trump has developed a reputation for greeting fellow leaders with an extended, forceful hand clasp that often turns into a visible tug, which many interpret as an attempt to project control.
During a handshake with Russian president Vladimir Putin last year, body language expert Patty Ann Wood described the moment to Newsweek as a ‘power play’.
She said ‘the handshake tight to his mid-body to pull the other person in, a display of power’.
This time, however, commentators suggested that approach didn’t land in the same way with Peña.
The two met at the Shields of America Summit, hosted at the Trump National Doral Miami resort in Florida on Saturday (March 7).
The moment came as Trump and Peña posed side by side and shook hands for cameras.
In the clip, Trump appears to try drawing Peña’s hand inward toward his own body, but Peña maintains his position and keeps their clasp nearer to his side rather than being pulled off-balance.
That exchange quickly prompted criticism of Trump’s handshake style, with some describing it as childish or performative.
Over on Reddit, one person said: “Somebody needs to just yank his arm right out of its socket the next time he tries that petulant s***.”
However, another responded by suggesting: “On the contrary. I think they should wait until he’s pulling as hard as he can and then let go and see if he falls over.”
Someone else scathed: “He’s such a f’in child. Glad my man from Paraguay made him look stupid AF.”
Another joked: “Trump smiling while trying to yank his hand back haha.”
But others didn’t see the situation as a joke, arguing the interaction reflected a calculated political tactic.
Trump tries his tug-of-war handshake with the president of Paraguay, but can't pull it off.
He just can't help himself…🤣 pic.twitter.com/psGwFFBQZ4
— Radar 𝘸 Archie🚨 (@RadarHits) March 8, 2026
On X, one person lamented: “That’s called a power move. Most leaders aren’t ready for it.”
Someone else said: “Bad news for Paraguay. Trump won’t forget that.”
Another wrote: “50% more tariff Paraguay, till you behave well.”
The meeting also coincided with Trump outlining what he described as closer cooperation between the United States and Latin American nations to confront cartels—particularly drug trafficking organizations and transnational gangs—which he labeled an “unacceptable threat” to national security.
“The only way to defeat these enemies is by unleashing the power of our militaries,” Trump said. “We have to use our military. You have to use your military.”