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

Body language expert Patti Wood said Trump appeared 'positive and confident,' but his prolonged handshake with Putin revealed a subtle power struggle
UPDATED AUG 17, 2025
Donald Trump’s arm pats and Vladimir Putin’s shoulder taps revealed ‘power battle’ beneath smiles at Alaska summit, body language expert says (Andrew Harnik/Getty Images)
Donald Trump’s arm pats and Vladimir Putin’s shoulder taps revealed ‘power battle’ beneath smiles at Alaska summit, body language expert says (Andrew Harnik/Getty Images)

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.”

ANCHORAGE, ALASKA - AUGUST 15: U.S. President Donald Trump (R) walks with Russian President Vladimir Putin as they arrives at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson on August 15, 2025 in Anchorage, Alaska. The two leaders are meeting for peace talks aimed at ending the war in Ukraine. (Photo by Andrew Harnik/Getty Images)
US President Donald Trump walks with Russian President Vladimir Putin as they arrive at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson on August 15, 2025 (Andrew Harnik/Getty Images)

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

U.S. President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin meet for their summit on the war in Ukraine, at U.S. Air Base on August 15, 2025, in Anchorage, Alaska, United States. Putin is having a one-day trip to Alaska. (Photo by Contributor/Getty Images)
US President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin meet for their summit on the war in Ukraine at the US Air Base on August 15, 2025, in Anchorage, Alaska (Contributor/Getty Images)

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.”

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