Trump's odd hand gesture after Zelensky handshake sparks online speculation

A video from a September 22 meeting in New York has spread widely across social media, showing US President Donald Trump briefly turning two fingers downward moments after shaking hands with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky. The clip has drawn considerable attention and prompted a range of interpretations online.

Competing theories

Some social media users speculated the gesture could be a hidden signal linked to Freemasonry. Others offered a more mundane explanation, suggesting it may have been a discreet cue to security staff or event organizers indicating that press interaction was wrapping up. One commenter joked it might have meant Trump was only willing to take two more questions from reporters. Another compared it to an inverted victory sign, since the traditional V gesture is typically shown with fingers pointing upward rather than down. Still others pointed to speculation about the president's health or possible finger stiffness, with one user dismissing the whole discussion by suggesting he simply had a cramp.

Patriot systems decision

Separately, on Friday, September 25, Trump announced he had made a 'final decision' to authorize Kyiv to produce Patriot air defense systems. Zelensky said the agreement was reached during the two leaders' most recent meeting, ending a prolonged period of uncertainty on the issue.

In July, Trump had said it would be 'pretty good' to grant Ukraine such licenses before backing away, saying the US needed to be 'very careful' before allowing Ukraine to manufacture Patriot systems. Since the war began, Kyiv has repeatedly reported acute shortages of Patriot systems and has called for renewed air defense deliveries before winter. Even if licenses are granted, Ukraine would need more than a year to begin production, meaning it would not address immediate needs, though Ukrainian officials have said it could represent a significant long-term gain.