The handshake between President Donald Trump and President Vladimir Putin has been analyzed by a body language expert after some viewers interpreted it as a ‘power play’.
The leaders convened in Alaska to address the ongoing conflict in Eastern Europe, an issue the 79-year-old President of the United States has been trying to resolve since taking office in January.
Despite efforts, including threats of sanctions, tariffs, and negotiations over a minerals deal, the situation remained unchanged.
The Russian president, aged 72, continued aggressive actions against Ukraine, prolonging the conflict.
In a conversation with reporters aboard Air Force One before the meeting, Trump was asked about potential repercussions for Russia if Putin refused to discuss ending the conflict in Ukraine.
“Economically severe. It will be very severe,” Trump stated. “I’m not doing this for my health, okay, I don’t need it. I’d like to focus on our country, but I’m doing this to save a lot of lives. Yeah, very severe.”
Although he didn’t specify the exact penalties Russia might face, Trump emphasized, “I don’t have to say. There will be very severe consequences.”
As the leaders met in Anchorage, viewers observed what they perceived to be a power move by the US president when Putin approached and Trump seemed to pull his hand during the handshake.
This action drew reactions online, with many interpreting it as a demonstration of Trump’s ‘power play’ prior to the meeting.
However, body language expert Patty Ann Wood shared her perspective on the interaction with Newsweek, describing it as a blend of deference, control, and familiarity.
Wood noted that before the handshake, Trump appeared ‘smiling – a sign he’s comfortable and looking forward to the event.’
She added, “It’s his natural smile, small and slightly downturned at the corners. His shoulders are back more than usual; he might be wearing a form-fitting undergarment because his posture is unusually erect. This all suggests confidence.”
When Putin approached, Trump applauded and stepped forward onto the red carpet, which Wood interpreted as a sign of ‘respect’.
Contrary to the belief of some, Wood explained that Trump deviated from his usual handshake style, telling the outlet, “Trump typically likes to have his hand on top, but here it appears he presented his palm up – a weaker, more subordinate position – indicating he sees Putin as more powerful.”
She further explained that Trump did eventually employ his signature move, keeping ‘the handshake tight to his mid-body to pull the other person in, a display of power’.
This suggests that while Trump might view Putin as the more dominant figure, he still aimed to assert his own power.
During their handshake, both leaders maintained eye contact and smiled, moving their heads closer, which Wood suggested indicates ‘warmth’ between them.
Trump then placed his other hand on Putin’s arm, creating a ‘double handshake’, which she described as a ‘subtle’ gesture of dominance.
Wood commented, “I could strike you if I wanted to. Putin responds in kind.”
As they walked, Trump resumed his preferred handshake position, placing his hand on top in what Wood called a ‘handshake chess game’.
Overall, Wood concluded that Putin appeared confident and Trump made a ‘gesture of intimacy’ by leaning in to whisper in Putin’s ear, likening the meeting to ‘two old friends seeing each other after a long time’.