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Trump's Handshake Attempt Fails to Faze Paraguay's President
Santiago Peña stands firm during Trump's signature pulling grip at Florida summit
Published on Mar. 9, 2026
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At the Shield of the Americas summit in Doral, Florida, a brief handshake between former U.S. President Donald Trump and Paraguay's President Santiago Peña went viral after footage showed Peña refusing to be pulled by Trump's familiar exaggerated handshake style. While some interpreted the moment as Peña 'humiliating' Trump, the exchange was more a quiet display of agency, with Peña maintaining his composure and stance despite Trump's attempts to dominate the greeting.
Why it matters
The handshake moment gained attention as it occurred at a summit meant to project unity and strength in the region, with Trump urging Latin American leaders to use military force against cartels and gangs. Peña's refusal to be pulled by Trump's handshake can be seen as a subtle form of resistance against the performative power dynamics often on display in such diplomatic meetings.
The details
As Trump greeted visiting Latin American leaders, his handshake with Peña was captured on video. Trump appeared to pull with his signature emphatic motion, but Peña held his ground, shoulders steady and expression unchanged. The exchange lasted only seconds, but the choreography faltered just enough to make people take notice.
- The handshake took place on Saturday, March 9, 2026 at the Shield of the Americas summit in Doral, Florida.
- Trump and Peña had previously appeared together in February at a Board of Peace meeting.
The players
Donald Trump
The former president of the United States, known for his exaggerated handshake style as a form of dominance ritual and stagecraft.
Santiago Peña
The president of Paraguay, who refused to be pulled by Trump's handshake attempt, maintaining his composure and stance.
What’s next
The incident is unlikely to have any major policy implications, as reports suggest Peña has maintained a broadly supportive stance toward Trump's regional agenda. However, the moment may be remembered as a subtle display of resistance against the performative power dynamics often on display in diplomatic meetings.
The takeaway
The handshake between Trump and Peña, while brief, highlighted the nuanced ways in which world leaders can navigate and resist performative displays of power, even in the midst of high-profile diplomatic events.
