During the United Nations General Assembly in New York, President Donald Trump and UK Prime Minister Andy Burnham held their first formal meeting. While the verbal exchange was outwardly positive , body language analysis suggests a significant physical power struggle between the two leaders .
The audible smack of Trump's palm-up handshake
The initial physical contact between the two leaders set a tone of dominance, according to the report. Body language expert Judi James observed that President Donald Trump utilized a high-speed, high-strength handshake to assert control. Rather than a standard greeting, Trump reportedly threw his hand out quickly with the palm facing upward, resulting in a handshake so forceful that the smack of the hands hitting together was audible to those nearby.
This "hand of friendship" was characterized by James as a calculated power gesture. While the move appeared friendly on the surface, it served to establish an immediate physical hierarchy. In contrast,Prime Minister Andy Burnham appeared to adopt a defensive posture, sitting in what James described as a "tense-looking crouch" with his fingers tightly meshed in front of his torso to create a protective barrier.
Burnham's nervous rituals and the 'Churchillian' mouth clamp
As the meeting progressed, Prime Minister Burnham displayed several non-verbal cues that suggested significant internal discomfort. The report notes that Burnham engaged in a series of "nervous rituals," including repeatedly touching his hair, fiddling with his fingers, and playing with his wedding ring. These actions were interpreted by James as a subconscious desire for emotional security or a way to mask his facial expressions.
At certain points, Burnham attempted to project a more commanding presence, employing what James called a "Churchillian mouth clamp." However, this display of strength was reportedly undermined by an "eye-dart" that suggested he was mentally looking for an exit. This physical tension stood in stark contrast to the animated and confident delivery maintained by Donald Trump throughout the encounter.
Trump's 'fake news' attacks and the White House media ban
The interaction took place against a backdrop of heightened tension between the Trump administration and the press . As Trump launched into his characteristic attacks against the media, labeling them "fake news," Burnham appeared to physically disassociate from the rhetoric. James noted that Burnham's gestures, such as running an anxious hand through his hair, seemed to be a reaction to the aggressive tone of the American president.
This confrontational stance toward the press is part of a broader pattern of friction. The meeting occurred shortly after the Trump administration implemented bans on several major news organizations, including CNN, MSNBC, and Politico, from the White House. While Trump used the platform to praise Burnham as a "natural business person" and claimed the US-UK relationship is stronger now than it was under former Prime Minister Keir Starmer, his aggressive media critiques remained a central feature of his demeanor.
Did Ed Miliband feel sidelined by Trump's praise?
While the focus remained on the two primary leaders, the presence of other high-ranking officials raised questions about the diplomatic atmosphere. The report highlights an intriguing reaction from Foreign Secretary Ed Miliband, who was seated near the pair as Trump offered lavish compliments to the new British Prime Minister.
According to James, Miliband's body language suggested a sense of envy or exclusion, implying he wished Trump's kind words had been directed toward him instead. It remains unverified whether this was a momentary reaction or a reflection of deeper diplomatic tensions within the UK delegation, but it adds a layer of complexity to an encounter that was ostensibly meant to signal bilateral strength.
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