Trump’s Power Play at Summit with Xi Jinping

During a recent summit in Beijing, President Trump displayed a commanding presence, drawing comparisons to a lion, according to body language expert Lillian Glass. She observed that Trump seemed unfazed by Chinese President Xi Jinping and exuded confidence throughout the meeting.

“I think he feels quite empowered by this moment. There’s definitely no intimidation here, not at all,” Glass, who has experience as a behavioral witness in court, shared her insights. She noted Trump’s posture as “very upright” and reminiscent of a military stance, suggesting he was in full control.

Furthermore, Trump’s approach blended assertive gestures with genuine warmth during a welcoming ceremony at the Great Hall of the People—his first trip to China since 2017. “He gave me a friendly pat,” Glass recounted, adding that they shared many smiles during their interactions.

Glass described that casual pat on the back as both a “sign of strength” and “affection,” highlighting a connection between the two leaders. “I think there’s a real bond,” she remarked. “You can see they genuinely like each other.” Observations also indicated that Xi returned the gesture, further reinforcing a sense of mutual regard.

Despite Trump’s strong demeanor, the exchanges indicated warmth. “He wasn’t dominating everything; it felt more like a shared influence,” Glass noted, pointing out that there was an evident rapport between them.

In yet another observation, Glass indicated their synchronized walking demonstrated they were aligned in their discussions. “They walked in unison,” she explained, suggesting they were “almost on the same page.”

Experts highlighted Trump’s physical capabilities as well, particularly his ability to navigate the Great Hall’s staircase, which helped dispel any lingering doubts about his health. “He moved with good pace,” she noted. “Anyone questioning his neurological health ought to reconsider because he certainly appeared strong.”

In a final thought, Glass pointed out a moment during the handshake line where Xi Jinping showed considerable interest in Stephen Miller, a key aide in the Trump administration. “There seemed to be a connection there,” she observed, noting that Xi spent more time with Miller than with other officials.