White House issues new theory for Trump's handshake gaffe

The White House has scrambled to explain why President Trump appeared to flat out ignore German Chancellor Angela Merkel's request for a handshake in front of a large press corp.

Germany's media were highly critical of Mr Trump's diplomacy, after the pair sat side by side in the Oval Office on Friday and Ms Merkel's offer to shake hands was rejected.

During what can only be described as a bizarre and embarrassing photo op, Ms Merkel shuffles awkwardly in her chair, before leaning in and asking her host: "Do you want to have the handshake?"

Mr Trump responds by simply staring out into the sea of snapping cameras, alternating between holding his hands tightly together and lightly clapping between his legs.

In the background photographers can be heard urging the pair to "handshake".

But those requests literally fell on deaf ears, according to White House Press Secretary Sean Spicer

"I don't think he heard the question," Mr Spicer told German newspaper Der Spiegel today (AEDT).

But observers noted how differently Mr Trump handled himself in otherwise identical situations with Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, and other visiting leaders from UK, Japan and Israel.

Ms Merkel and Mr Trump have history, and it's not all pleasant.

The German Chancellor has been a vocal critic of Mr Trump's proposed ban on Muslims travelling to America.

Similarly, during his wildly successful election campaign, Mr Trump accused Ms Merkel of "ruining Germany" by allowing her nation to accept large numbers of refugees.

Mr Trump took to Twitter to attack media outlets who criticised his actions in the Oval Office, blasting it as "fake news".

Ms Merkel is hoping for a productive visit to Washington, as she is seeking re-election this year.