Body-language analyst says Trump’s swift handshake signaled power in first meeting with Burnham
During their inaugural encounter at the UN General Assembly, Donald Trump’s rapid handshake was interpreted by a body-language expert as a dominant gesture, while Andy Burnham displayed signs of discomfort.
President Donald Trump and Prime Minister Andy Burnham faced each other for the first time on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly in New York. A body-language consultant observed that Trump’s rapid, palm-up handshake was a clear power gesture, contrasting with Burnham’s guarded posture and repeated self-soothing motions such as running a hand through his hair and fiddling with his wedding ring. While Trump resumed his familiar criticism of “fake news” and attacked the Chagos Islands deal, Burnham appeared increasingly uneasy, glancing away and adopting a tense stance.
Foreign Secretary Ed Miliband, seated nearby, seemed to react with visible interest. The meeting, though outwardly cordial, highlighted divergent diplomatic styles and underscored ongoing disagreements over strategic military sites.
