Off The Record
Body Language Expert Analyzes Trump’s Unspoken Signals During Meeting With Canadian PM
Mark Carney, the recently elected prime minister of Canada, ran on a platform of refusing to compromise with Donald Trump, and if their first formal meeting is any indication, tension is already evident.
On May 6, the two presidents met at the White House at noon (ET), but not before Trump posted a harsh message about Canada on Truth Social.
“I look forward to meeting the new Prime Minister of Canada, Mark Carney,” Trump wrote. “I very much want to work with him, but cannot understand one simple TRUTH — Why is America subsidizing Canada by $200 Billion Dollars a year, in addition to giving them FREE Military Protection, and many other things?”
Trump didn’t stop there, adding another ‘Truth’: “We don’t need their Cars, we don’t need their Energy, we don’t need their Lumber, we don’t need ANYTHING they have, other than their friendship, which hopefully we will always maintain. They, on the other hand, need EVERYTHING from us! The Prime Minister will be arriving shortly and that will be, most likely, my only question of consequence.”
Carney, on the other hand, has not hesitated to challenge Trump. “As I’ve been warning for months, America wants our land, our resources, our water, our country – never,” he said at a campaign event in Ottawa.
He added: “These are not idle threats. President Trump is trying to break us so that America can own us – that will never, ever happen. But we also must recognize the reality that our world has fundamentally changed.”
The pair’s body language immediately caught attention when they finally met in person on the White House steps. Beth Dawson, an expert, offered her perspective on the uncomfortable interaction.
“Carney approached Trump with his head slightly inclined forward and extended a handshake, while also placing a hand on Trump’s elbow,” she told reporters. “That slight tilt of the head signals a mix of assertiveness and subtle submission. He looks determined, but there’s a hint of apprehension.”
The elbow touch, Dawson noted, was an attempt to level the playing field. “It’s a nonverbal cue for connection – a way of saying ‘I want this to be equal.’ But he’s careful not to overstep.”
Meanwhile, Trump’s response signaled dominance. “As Carney reaches out, Trump raises his right shoulder, a classic power move. Initially, his posture is relaxed, almost stooped in a welcoming gesture, but he quickly straightens up and raises a clenched fist – unmistakably assertive.”
As the two men turned toward the press, Dawson pointed out that Carney’s composed exterior revealed subtle cracks. “He keeps a steady smile and firm eye contact, but then clasps his hands together; a self-soothing gesture. He also glances at Trump for cues, indicating some unease.”
The atmosphere seemed a little friendlier inside the Oval Office. Trump commended Carney’s election performance and called hosting him “an honour.”
“I thought you were excellent during the campaign,” Trump said. “I think we have a lot of things in common.”
But the moment soon turned provocative again, with Trump reviving a controversial idea from past rhetoric: “I still believe [Canada could be the 51st] state, but it takes two to tango. It would really be a wonderful marriage because it’s two places that get along very well.”
Carney’s reply, reportedly via the BBC, was succinct: “Some places are never for sale.”
Now Trending:
- Trump Pushes To Reopen And Expand Alcatraz For ‘Dregs Of Society’
- Donald Trump Shares Bizarre Image Of Himself As Pope Days After Francis’ Funeral
- Donald Trump Fires Back At George Clooney For Speaking Out Against Him In Recent Interview
Please SHARE this story with Family and Friends and let us know what you think!
