A video from President Donald Trump’s first official meeting with NATO appears to show Trump shoving Dusko Markovic, the prime minister of Montegnegro, out of his way, according to CNN.
Did Trump just shove another NATO leader to be in the front of the group? pic.twitter.com/bL1r2auELd
— Steve Kopack (@SteveKopack) May 25, 2017
The video, which surfaced hours after the incident occurred, shows Trump and other world leaders gathering around for a group photo, enjoying small talk and walking towards photographers. However, moments before the cameras begin flashing, Trump decides to make his way to the front of the group—by grabbing Markovic’s shoulder and pushing him aside, according to The Washington Post.
In the video, Trump doesn't even look Markovic as he pushes past him. Markovic plays along politely, smiling while patting President Trump on his back. Trump never apologizes, simply fixing his coat and beginning another conversation once he gets to the front.
After the video was posted, White House press secretary Sean Spicer told reporters the spots were "predetermined," and that Trump "was not trying to get a better position, but rather he was heading for the position reserved for him," according to The Washington Post.
Markovic was asked about the apparent shove, and graciously said, “This was an inoffensive situation. I do not see it in any other way."
Unfortunately, it wasn't the spot Trump was trying to reach that was the problem, but rather his means to get there. This incident should come as no surprise, and really it's just another thing to add to the president's laundry list of unprofessional and un-presidential acts.