Stories
Trump and Xi: Body Language Reveals a Complex Dance of Dominance and Approval
- •Body language experts suggest Trump sought Xi's approval despite asserting dominance during their interactions.
- •Trump's rare tarmac welcome for Xi, a gesture not seen since 1962, highlighted the importance he placed on the visit.
- •A notable moment showed Trump wincing at a military jet flyover, while Xi remained unfazed, suggesting a difference in auditory processing.
- •During a handshake, Trump patted Xi's arm, a dominance gesture, which Xi countered by patting Trump's back.
- •Trump appeared visibly flattered by Xi's thumbs-up and compliment on a military presentation, interpreted as seeking approval.
Key Questions Answered
During the military review at the White House, Trump leaned toward Xi and asked if he enjoyed the presentation, looking visibly flattered and touching his jacket buttons when Xi and First Lady Peng Liyuan gave a thumbs-up and called it amazing. Experts noted this indicated Trump was seeking his Chinese counterpart's approval.
US President Donald Trump was seen wincing in pain during a loud ceremonial military jet flyover while standing next to Chinese President Xi Jinping. In contrast, Xi barely reacted to the noise, and no one else in the immediate vicinity—including First Lady Melania Trump and Chinese First Lady Peng Liyuan—had a similar reaction.
Donald Trump personally welcomed Chinese President Xi Jinping at Joint Base Andrews, a rare gesture for a US president. Body language expert Patti Wood noted that the last time a US president greeted a world leader on the tarmac was in 1962, when John F. Kennedy welcomed British Prime Minister Harold Macmillan.
