The meeting between the United States and Russia held in Alaska concluded without sharp results, amid analyses that President Donald Trump and President Vladimir Putin displayed unusual intimacy through body language while subtly engaging in a power struggle.
U.S. news magazine Newsweek, citing body language expert Patti Ann Wood, reported that the two leaders showed gestures reflecting respect, control, and intimacy when they first met during the meeting.
On the 15th (local time), President Trump got off first from Air Force One, his private jet, and waited for President Putin on the red carpet, notably wearing a relaxed smile. Wood commented that "the slight downturn of the corners of his mouth is his natural smile" and added, "His shoulders were more pulled back than usual, and his posture was straighter, all of which indicates confidence."
Signs of respect were also evident. As President Putin approached, President Trump lightly applauded, stepped forward, shook hands, and smiled while holding his hands together and making eye contact. Wood emphasized this as "a balance between respect and assertion," noting that "they leaned their heads together to express warmth."
Wood particularly noted that President Trump chose a different handshake technique than usual. Typically, President Trump shakes hands with his palm facing down, but this time he grasped President Putin's hand with his palm facing up. Wood explained, "This indicates a more submissive posture, suggesting that he views President Putin as more powerful."
However, later, President Trump held President Putin's hand with his right hand while patting his arm with his left hand, which Wood added symbolizes "the symbolic superiority of 'I could hit you if I wanted to.'"