It was billed as a diplomatic debut, but according to a body language expert, Mark Carney’s first official visit to Washington as Canadian Prime Minister quickly turned into a Trump masterclass in dominance. At the Oval Office on Tuesday, Donald Trump played host in a meeting that appeared, on the surface, to celebrate the enduring friendship between the US and Canada.

But behind the scenes – and beneath the smiles – subtle gestures and fleeting expressions told a very different story. Even before Carney arrived in Washington, Trump had begun what expert Judi James described as his usual pre-match ‘sledging’ of visiting leaders, posting aggressive social media comments about Canadian trade policy. This, the expert noted, served as a ‘form of meat tenderizer’ – softening up the guest with bullish bluster before extending the hand of supposed friendship in person.

That handshake, however, was anything but equal. ‘Trump’s big paw came at Carney’s hand in a downward angle, a classic dominance move to suggest superior power and status,’ said James. ‘Carney kept his distance. His hand on Trump’s lower arm could have been a power clamp, but he seemed to bottle it and his mimicry of Trump’s ‘Fist of power’ gesture to the cameras looked weak.’ The clearest moment of imbalance came when Carney admitted feeling nervous during the meeting.

‘I’m on the edge of my seat,’ he said with a tight-lipped smile, an admission which Trump pounced on with a theatrical pat of reassurance on the Canadian’s knee. ‘This admission of vulnerability brought a knee-pat response from Trump. Being able to offer a nervous man a pat of reassurance right at the start must have shown Trump some sort of advantage,’ the expert said. Carney responded with what the expert called a ‘non-verbal purr’, a reluctant chuckle and approving smile that only reinforced the American president’s upper hand.

Throughout the awkward but ‘amicable’ meeting, Carney maintained an outwardly respectful and professional demeanour, but his micro-gestures betrayed moments of resistance. When Trump suggested the US does not do much business with Canada or floated the idea of Canada becoming the 51st state, Carney’s face gave him away, the expert said. ‘Carney’s body language suggested a passive-aggressive method of hinting disagreement via some micro-gestures like an eye-roll of surprise, a blink, then a narrowing of the left eye in an evaluation ritual with a lip pucker and head tilt to suggest he had other opinions,’ she explained. Even when speaking, Carney reportedly checked Trump’s reactions, looking over repeatedly for approval. As he spoke he face-checked Trump for nodding approval,’ said the expert.

One moment of sincerity came when Carney used a meshing gesture with his hands to symbolise strong bilateral ties during a statement about US-Canada cooperation. But seated across from Carney, Trump continued to advocate for Canada becoming America’s 51st state. The Canadian President then reiterated his firm commitment to defending Canadian sovereignty. ‘As you know from real estate, there are some places that are never for sale,’ Carney told Trump, in a gesture to the president’s background as a real-estate developer. He then referenced his mandate from Canada’s recent federal elections, which reflected growing anti-Trump sentiment among Canadian voters. ‘Having met with the owners of Canada over the course of the campaign these last several months, it’s not for sale – won’t be for sale – ever,’ Carney said of his country.

During the interaction while discussing the potential of Canada becoming the 51st state, Carney could be seen shaking his knee as the US President spoke. ‘Knee-jiggling is a ritual of irritation, impatience or anxiety. Used like this it appears to be a passive-aggressive metronomic gesture suggesting a suppression of real emotions but a desire to make a strong point but maybe without creating hostility,’ the expert said. But despite Carney’s attempt to stand his ground, the American president brushed aside the remark with a chuckle and changed the subject back to the White House’s golden décor.

‘This looked primarily like Trump hosting a press conference to boast about White House decor while Carney sat waiting for the odd cue to speak,’ the expert said. Trump seemed far more eager to talk about the golden renovations he had made to the presidential residence than to focus on policy, trade, or international cooperation. Carney, meanwhile, was visibly tentative, offering polite smiles and carefully scripted remarks about cross-border ties. ‘Carney’s approach was tentative, polite and charming,’ the expert concluded.

Though the press conference ended with smiles and a firm handshake, the underlying tone was clear. Trump relished being the host, the showman, and the dominant force in the room. Carney’s body language showed he was outmanoeuvred, James explained. ‘His micro-gestures did hint at matters to discuss away from the cameras,’ but in front of them, it was Trump’s performance.

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