Donald Trump is known for making audacious claims, and a body language analyst has suggested that his gestures during a recent speech might have indicated a sense of ‘disdain’ towards his European allies.
During his reflections on the VE celebrations in Europe, Trump seemed to unsettle some leaders with his remarks.
On May 15, in a speech to US troops stationed in Qatar as part of his Middle Eastern tour, Trump expressed his views on the VE day celebrations.
For those unfamiliar, VE day falls on May 8, marking Victory in Europe day, which signifies Germany’s surrender to the Allies during World War II.
Trump appeared perplexed by the fact that European countries were celebrating while the US was not.
He commented: “A week ago, May 8, I call up a certain country and they say, ‘Oh we’re celebrating the victory of World War Two today’. And I say, ‘Oh okay.'”
He continued: “I speak to one of the presidents or prime ministers or whatever. And they were so busy, ‘Oh yes we’re celebrating the victory of WW2’. And I speak to another one and they’re celebrating.”
“And the fact is Russia was celebrating, France was celebrating, everyone but us.
“And we’re the ones that won the war. We won the war and they help, but without us they don’t win the war, we’re all speaking German – without us they’re speaking German and maybe a little Japanese too.”
Although these comments have been perceived as offensive to European leaders and a misrepresentation of World War II facts, a body language specialist suggested that Trump’s physical demeanor during the address might have also communicated additional meaning.
Dr. Beth Dawson pointed out that Trump’s relaxed posture throughout the speech seemed to subconsciously send the message that ‘he is in control.’
She noted that his non-verbal cues served as a ‘masterclass’ in power dynamics intertwined with storytelling, emphasizing how he views his allies with ‘condescension and disdain.’
She explained: “When Trump refers flippantly to ‘one of the presidents, or prime ministers, or whatever,’ the dismissiveness is verbal as well as physical. That trailing ‘whatever’ carries a mocking undertone and shows a lack of respect and a deliberate downplaying of status.
“His body language reinforces this further. As he mentions how ‘busy the other countries are’, he lifts his elbow in a casual, dismissive shrug, yet another show of dominance, indifference, and control over the narrative. He is also dismissing the other countries, and his mocking tone of voice is reinforced by the choice of language. When talking about another interaction: I spoke to another one and they were celebrating…’, The use of ‘another one’ is deliberate – he is dismissive and condescending.”