It wasn’t just another diplomatic handshake. It was a moment that made even seasoned reporters shift uncomfortably in their seats. Fox News’ Peter Doocy, never one to shy away from calling it like he sees it, summed up the atmosphere with a single word: awkward. And not just awkward, but the most awkward White House event he’d witnessed since Ukraine’s President Zelenskyy’s visit.

The meeting between former President Donald Trump and South African President Cyril Ramaphosa was meant to be a display of unity, partnership, and international cooperation. What unfolded, however, was a visibly strained encounter that left onlookers questioning what went wrong.

“I’ve covered some tough moments at the White House,” Doocy said during a segment on Fox, “but this was something else entirely. You could feel the discomfort in the air.”

From the moment the leaders stepped into the Rose Garden, something seemed off. Trump appeared distracted, Ramaphosa seemed tense, and the usually rehearsed choreography of greetings and smiles fell flat. A misplaced handshake, an awkward pause, and a few unscripted comments added fuel to the growing discomfort.

Body language experts were quick to weigh in. One noted that Trump’s crossed arms and lack of direct eye contact were “textbook signs of disengagement,” while Ramaphosa’s forced smile and constant glancing toward aides suggested a man eager for the event to end.

But what was behind the tension?

Insiders suggest that a behind-the-scenes disagreement on trade policy may have soured the atmosphere. Trump, known for his blunt negotiation style, reportedly pushed hard for changes in bilateral agreements, while Ramaphosa remained firm on protecting South Africa’s economic interests. Sources say the pre-meeting discussion grew “heated,” and the unresolved friction carried onto the public stage.

Adding to the awkwardness was the issue of global optics. Trump’s team appeared eager to showcase the meeting as a strong display of diplomatic outreach to Africa—something critics have long said his administration lacked. But instead of projecting strength, the encounter revealed misalignment and discomfort.

Then came the press conference.

When reporters asked about future collaborations, Trump veered off-topic, referencing unrelated events and making a controversial remark about South African land reform. Ramaphosa, visibly caught off guard, offered a generic response and subtly redirected the focus back to economic partnerships.

Doocy, reflecting on the press conference, noted, “There was a moment of silence after Trump’s land comment. It wasn’t the silence of respect—it was the silence of shock.”

The comparison to Zelenskyy’s visit is telling. That encounter, during Trump’s presidency, was already mired in controversy due to the backdrop of impeachment hearings and the infamous phone call that triggered them. The stiffness in that meeting was historic. But for Doocy to place this South Africa summit in the same league—or perhaps even higher on the awkward scale—speaks volumes.

On social media, reactions poured in.

Some defended Trump, blaming the media for reading too much into a single event. “He’s just being himself,” one supporter tweeted. “If that makes people uncomfortable, maybe it’s a good thing.”

Others, however, echoed Doocy’s take. “We all watched it,” a user posted. “Even the flags looked uncomfortable.”

But this wasn’t just about optics. Diplomatic meetings have real consequences. Analysts worry that the public awkwardness might hint at deeper policy rifts that could impact trade, security cooperation, and even geopolitical alliances.

“Countries watch how the U.S. treats its partners,” said a former ambassador. “When the body language and tone are off, the message it sends is more powerful than any prepared statement.”

Meanwhile, Peter Doocy’s blunt assessment has sparked debate in journalistic circles. Some praise him for cutting through political spin and calling out what many felt but didn’t say. Others caution that framing diplomatic moments with loaded adjectives can inflame rather than inform.

Still, Doocy’s track record suggests he’s not just stirring the pot—he’s giving voice to what many Americans are thinking. And in this case, what they’re thinking is: What just happened?

In the days following the meeting, Trump remained silent about the backlash. Ramaphosa returned to South Africa without making any extended comments, but his press secretary hinted that “internal reflections” would follow.

So, what does this moment mean in the larger scheme of U.S.-Africa relations?

Some experts believe it’s a wake-up call. “You can’t fake connection,” one international affairs analyst said. “And if the goal is to build trust with global partners, every encounter counts.”

If anything, this encounter reminds us that diplomacy is as much about tone as it is about policy. A forced smile can’t erase a cold atmosphere. And when a high-profile journalist like Peter Doocy calls it the most awkward event in years, people pay attention.

Whether or not Trump addresses the incident, the footage lives on. So do the questions. Was this just an off day, or a glimpse into a deeper disconnect? And if another foreign leader visits soon, will they too be caught in the awkward spotlight?

For now, all eyes are on the next move—and whether the next handshake will feel a little less forced.