White House press secretary Sean Spicer defended President Trump Donald John TrumpHR McMaster says president's policy to withdraw troops from Afghanistan is 'unwise' Cast of 'Parks and Rec' reunite for virtual town hall to address Wisconsin voters Biden says Trump should step down over coronavirus response MORE’s failure to shake German Chancellor Angela Merkel’s hand on Friday.

Spicer told Germany’s Der Spiegel that Friday’s incident was a misunderstanding.

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"I do not believe he heard the question," Spicer told the paper.

The press was gathered in the Oval Office Friday to take photos and video of the two world leaders meeting.

Merkel could be heard leaning toward Trump and asking, "Do you want to have a handshake?"

Trump did not shake Merkel's hand, leading some on social media to characterize the action as a rejection of Merkel's request.

Trump did shake hands with her when they first entered the White House.