Body language expert decodes Trump and Putin's 'power battle' during prolonged handshake at Alaska summit

ANCHORAGE, ALASKA: President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin appeared friendly during their first exchange on the tarmac in Anchorage, Alaska.

As the Russian leader approached, Trump greeted him with applause, a broad smile, and confident body language — a gesture body language expert Patti Wood described as “celebratory” and reflective of his role as host at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson.

Expert says Trump and Putin had a 'little power battle' going on at Alaska summit

“Trump stood facing toward Putin and clapped for him as he approached, which is a symbolic gesture of celebration from a host,” Patti Wood told The New York Post. 

Smiling broadly, Trump appeared “positive and confident” ahead of their initial handshake, which, according to Wood, “communicated that Trump had positive expectations for the meeting.”

During the handshake, Wood noted, “Trump is on the bottom and Putin on top. Trump pulled Putin’s arm closer to his body, which he often does to signal, ‘I win. I win the war.’” Trump then reinforced the point with a left-hand pat on Putin’s arm, which she interpreted as a silent message: “Let go, I’m winning.”

Putin responded with a pat on Trump’s shoulder, prompting Trump to repeat the gesture. “Putin patted Trump on his left shoulder, Trump patted him again — so they were using their hands to hit each other. There was a little power battle going on,” Wood said.

She added, “You see them walking side by side and they look like buddies.”

Expert observes Trump’s change in tone after hours of negotiations on Ukraine

While another analyst, Dr Beth Dawson, described the initial encounter as showing a “genuine connection” and friendliness, the atmosphere shifted after the marathon three-hour talks on Ukraine ended without progress.

Trump, who had looked confident at the outset, projected far less enthusiasm by the time the leaders stepped before the press.

“During the first handshake, Trump had the palm up, but during the last one, he’s doing what I call a ‘slice’ handshake — his hand goes out sideways, his fingers are not cupped, they’re sharp…it’s very abbreviated. And the expression on Trump’s face is weariness — his body language is weary and tired,” Wood explained.

She added, “Typically, when men shake hands, they face each other to show their strength, bravery, and openness. Trump is sideways rather than facing Putin, and that’s his desire to escape and get away.”