'Lion'-like Trump deploys 'power move' as he, Xi show 'genuine affection' during historic China summit: body language expert

The lion holds its reign over the jungle.

During a momentous meeting in Beijing on Wednesday, President Trump showcased his unwavering confidence in the presence of Chinese leader Xi Jinping. According to a specialist in body language, Trump’s demeanor was akin to that of a lion asserting its dominance.

“Trump carries himself with a palpable sense of authority, recognizing the significance of the encounter and remaining unfazed by Xi,” observed Lillian Glass, a Florida-based expert in nonverbal communication, who has lent her expertise in behavioral analysis to both federal and state courtrooms. “Much like a peacock flaunting its feathers or a lion exuding strength, he broadcasts his power,” she shared with The Post.

Glass elaborated, noting that Trump’s posture exuded authenticity and confidence, comparing it to a military stance with its straight-backed precision. “His focus was unyielding,” she added.

At the grand ceremony held at the Great Hall of the People, which marked Trump’s inaugural visit to China since 2017, Glass observed that the president seamlessly combined assertive gestures with sincere gestures of camaraderie towards Xi.

Glass noted that during the grand ceremonial at the Great Hall of the People, which marked the president’s first visit to China since 2017, Trump mixed power moves with genuine displays of affection toward Xi. 

“Trump was very friendly with patting him,” she said. “They were in close proximity with each other. There were a lot of smiles.”

The back pats were a “power move” but also served as “an affection move.”

“I think there’s some genuine affection between the two,” Glass said. “I think they really do like each other, you could tell.”

The body language expert observed that Xi patted Trump on the back as well, an indication that there was “a mutual connection there.” 

“It wasn’t all Trump taking over; it was mutual.”

While Trump looked “very formidable,” his back-and-forth with Xi suggested “a warmth between them.” 


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“The fact that they were walking in sync, the fact that [Trump] patted [Xi] a lot on his back, and he had his hand on Trump’s back – that was a very good thing,” Glass said, explaining that Trump and Xi matching each other stride-for-stride means “they’re like-minded” and “pretty much on the same page.”

The expert also took note of Trump’s physical stamina – walking at a good clip, going up the Great Hall’s massive steps – arguing it should put to rest any concerns about the president’s health. 

“He walked pretty well up those stairs,” Glass said. “I think that destroys any myths [about his health]. He certainly was formidable and walked quite a long distance.”

“He had a good pace. He walked straight. So anybody that’s accusing him of a neurological problem needs to look at themselves, because let me tell you, there’s nothing neurologically impaired about him.” 

Finally, Glass observed that during the handshake line with the US delegation, Xi took a particular interest in one Trump administration official – White House deputy chief of staff Stephen Miller.  

“Don’t know if they knew each other, but there was a connection there,” Glass said, noting that Xi spent more time with him than any other US official in the ropeline. 

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