Body language expert breaks down Trump’s reaction to meeting Canada’s PM moments after creating scathing post criticizing country

The leaders of North America recently met for the first time, but according to a body language expert, the interaction may not have been as warm as it seemed.

Donald Trump, now 78, met Canada’s new Prime Minister, 60-year-old Mark Carney, at the White House. However, just before the meeting, Trump posted a harsh message on his social media platform, Truth Social, criticizing Canada. In his post, he claimed that the U.S. gives Canada \$200 billion a year and free military protection, and he questioned why America continues to do so. According to *The Washington Post, there’s no real evidence behind that number it appears to have been made up.

Trump’s message also stated that America doesn’t need Canada’s cars, energy, lumber, or anything else just their friendship. He ended the post by saying that when Carney arrived, his only important question would be about this issue.

When the two leaders finally met, body language expert Beth Dawson analyzed their interaction. She said that Carney walked up to Trump with his head slightly tilted forward and reached out to shake his hand, also touching Trump’s elbow. This showed that Carney was trying to come across as confident but still respectful. His head tilt suggested that he was being assertive but also a bit nervous. The elbow touch was an attempt to connect on equal terms, and while he looked determined, there were signs that he felt slightly intimidated.

Trump, on the other hand, showed signs of wanting to dominate the situation. When Carney touched his elbow, Trump lifted his right shoulder a typical sign of asserting dominance. He started off slightly hunched, which can look welcoming, but then straightened up and raised his fist a clear show of control.

Carney kept a steady smile and held eye contact through much of the meeting, but when they turned to face the cameras, he clasped his hands together something people often do when they’re nervous and looked toward Trump for cues, suggesting he was still a bit unsure.

Inside the Oval Office, Trump called it an honor to host Carney and complimented his political campaign. Then, in a bold statement, he said he still believed Canada could become the 51st U.S. state, calling it a “wonderful marriage” between two friendly nations. Carney responded bluntly, saying, “Some places are never for sale,” showing he wasn’t buying into the idea.