Experts Dissect Trump–Putin Greeting: Warmth, Subtle Tension, and Symbolism
As former President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin met on the tarmac at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson in Alaska, their every step and gesture became the subject of intense scrutiny. Body language specialists say the high-profile encounter revealed both moments of warmth and hints of guarded tension.
Contrasting Entrances
Dr. Beth Dawson, a body language expert, noted the striking difference in how each leader descended from their aircraft.
“Trump walked cautiously, carefully gripping the handrail, keeping his eyes down, and moving slowly,” Dawson explained. “By contrast, Putin came down the steps quickly, projecting far more energy.”
That difference, she said, reflected Trump’s deliberate composure versus Putin’s confident stride.
Signals of Self-Protection
Subtle gestures also hinted at underlying caution. Trump, for instance, tugged slightly at his jacket — a “micro-gesture of self-protection,” according to Dawson. Putin, meanwhile, repeatedly slipped a hand inside his jacket, a cross-body motion interpreted as an instinct to guard his torso and heart.
“These small gestures can reveal inner emotions even when leaders appear calm on the surface,” Dawson said.
A Handshake of Connection
When the two men finally met on the red carpet, Dawson observed signs of genuine warmth.
“Putin greeted Trump with a genuine smile, looking directly at him as he extended his arm,” she explained. “Trump kept his hand closer to his body, pulling Putin slightly into his personal space — a move Putin allowed with ease.”
During their handshake, Trump leaned in and even patted Putin’s hand, which Dawson described as “a symbolic gesture of familiarity.”
“You don’t pat someone’s hand if you dislike them,” she added. “This was a clear signal of mutual appreciation.”
Facing the Press
While the greeting appeared cordial, Dawson pointed to tension when reporters pressed Putin on Russia’s actions in Ukraine.
Putin exaggeratedly pointed to his ear, suggesting he couldn’t hear a question about civilian deaths. Dawson interpreted the move as avoidance rather than confusion: “It wasn’t a genuine ‘I can’t hear you.’ It was more of a signal to shut down the conversation.”
Other Expert Takes
Additional analysts echoed similar themes. Body language specialist Patty Ann Wood told Newsweek that Trump’s smile and upright posture suggested confidence and anticipation.
Meanwhile, Judi James told the Daily Mail that Trump’s greeting resembled “a chat show host welcoming an A-list guest.” Yet when the cameras rolled during the formal meeting, Trump’s expression hardened, his finger-tapping a sign of seriousness beneath the initial warmth.
Bottom Line
While Trump and Putin projected moments of familiarity and ease — even “genuine connection,” as Dawson described — experts also spotted guarded micro-gestures and calculated performances.
The result? A carefully choreographed greeting that balanced warmth for the cameras with subtle signals of self-protection and political tension.
