Mal-function: Turnbull and Trump's awkward handshake at first meeting
A beaming Malcolm Turnbull has had his first face to face meeting with Donald Trump, with all eyes on the all important handshake.
On Friday it was Malcolm Turnbull’s turn to go where several world leaders have gone before, and it quickly turned awkward.
After being kept waiting more than an hour for his first in-person meeting with Mr Trump, Mr Turnbull was all smiles when the president extended his hand, even if he did miss his first cue.
In typical Trump-style, the palm faced up and the elbow did not extend far as the Australian Prime Minister leaned over for the shake.
The conversation leading to the handshake was pleasant enough, with Mr Turnbull congratulating Mr Trump on his Obamacare repeal act finally making its way through the US House of Representatives on Friday.
The pair then exchanged pleasantries about their respective challenges passing legislation through their houses and senates.
It was a more cordial meeting than the infamous phone call between the pair over a deal between Australia and the US over refugees.
Mr Trump reportedly hung up on Mr Turnbull, declaring it the worst call ever.
On Friday the president denied those reports, calling them fake news and insisting he had a "fantastic relationship" with Australia.
Handshakes have become the focal point of the US president’s meetings with world leaders, with exchanges with Britain’s Theresa May, Japan’s Shinzo Abe and then Canada’s Justin Trudeau stealing headlines around the world.
