People spot King of the Netherlands’ surprising response to Donald Trump handshake at NATO summit
Former U.S. President Donald Trump stayed at King Willem-Alexander’s royal palace in the Netherlands this week while attending the 2025 NATO Summit. The event brought together 33 world leaders to discuss global issues, including the Iran-Israel conflict, Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, and international defense strategies.
After the summit, Trump was among a select few invited to stay at Huis Ten Bosch palace, located in a forest near The Hague. The Dutch king hosted a formal dinner for NATO leaders, including Trump, who arrived on June 24.
A video of Trump’s meeting with King Willem-Alexander and Queen Máxima went viral, capturing a humorous “handshake tug of war.” As Trump extended his arm, the king firmly pulled him closer, prompting social media users to joke about the royal’s dominance in the interaction.
Online reactions were divided, with some praising the king’s confidence. One user wrote, “Long live the King,” while another teased, “DAMMMNNNN @realDonaldTrump slipping.” Critics of Trump found the moment amusing, with one commenting, “That handshake… he lost.”
Trump supporters, however, defended the exchange. One argued that the former president was simply being diplomatic, while another dismissed the incident, posting an American flag with the caption, “Do we really wanna play who’s more powerful?”
The Dutch royal family, including Queen Máxima and their three daughters, resides at the palace. The lighthearted moment provided a break from the summit’s serious discussions.
Despite the playful rivalry, Trump’s visit remained focused on diplomatic engagements. The viral clip, however, became the talk of social media, overshadowing the political agenda for a brief moment.
