Trump and Putin’s Handshake Dynamics in Anchorage
During their initial meeting on the tarmac in Anchorage, Alaska, President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin appeared quite friendly. However, as the summit progressed, the atmosphere shifted significantly.
Body language expert Patty Wood observed that when Putin, 72, approached Trump, 79, Trump applauded, a gesture typically indicative of celebration. This positivity reflected Trump’s confident demeanor as they shared their first handshake, suggesting he had optimistic expectations for the meeting.
However, things took a turn when their hands met, resulting in what Wood referred to as a “little battle” of sorts. In the handshake, Trump positioned his hand below Putin’s, asserting dominance by pulling Putin’s hand toward his chest. This action seemed to convey a message of winning, as Trump usually brings the other person’s hand close to him during exchanges, patting Putin’s arm while playfully insisting, “I’m winning.”
Putin, in turn, mirrored Trump’s gestures. Wood noted that Putin tapped Trump’s shoulder, to which Trump responded in kind, leading to a brief dance of dominance and playfulness between the two leaders.
By the end of this drawn-out handshake, they were seen walking side by side, appearing more like pals than opponents. Another body language expert, Dr. Beth Dawson, pointed out that the nonverbal cues during their greetings suggested a genuine connection.
Yet, after three hours of unproductive discussions regarding the ongoing war in Ukraine, Trump’s demeanor changed at a subsequent press conference. He became less animated and avoided answering questions. Wood noted a distinct shift in Trump’s body language; during the second handshake, instead of lifting his palm, he resorted to a more guarded gesture, with sharper hands and a weary expression.
“Typically, in handshakes, there’s a display of directness and openness, but Trump was slightly turned, which might imply a wish to retreat,” Wood remarked. Meanwhile, Putin maintained a relaxed posture, sporting what was described as a “childlike smile” as they parted ways.
