The complex and often contradictory relationship between Donald Trump and Vladimir Putin has long captured public attention. Though both leaders have described their rapport as “very close” and mutually respectful, their interactions are frequently punctuated by sharp rhetoric and geopolitical tensions. Despite limited face-to-face encounters, their first in-person meeting in 2017 offered a rare glimpse into the nature of their diplomatic chemistry.
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This highly anticipated meeting took place on the sidelines of the G20 summit in Hamburg, Germany, and was scheduled for just 30 minutes. However, discussions extended to over two hours, covering topics such as Ukraine, Syria, cybersecurity, and terrorism. Public remarks before the meeting appeared cordial, with Trump stating it was “an honour” to be with Putin and expressing hope for “very positive things” for both nations. Putin responded through an interpreter, echoing a desire for productive results.
Body language analysts have since studied the footage to decode the subtext of their interaction. Dr Lillian Glass observed that Trump seemed to assert dominance, particularly during their handshake, which she described as “very strong” on both sides. She pointed out tension in Putin’s expression, suggesting discomfort at being outmanoeuvred. In a second handshake clip released by the German government, Trump’s arm-grab was labelled by Glass as a “power play”, subtly asserting control.
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Another expert, Patti Wood, took a more nuanced view, interpreting Trump’s gestures as signs of support. Notably, she highlighted his triple pat under Putin’s arm, explaining the symbolic significance of the number three in non-verbal communication. According to Wood, this conveyed genuine emotional support. She also remarked on Trump’s relaxed posture prior to their private discussion, interpreting it as a deliberate projection of masculine confidence. These subtle cues provide insight into a relationship that continues to oscillate between cooperation and confrontation.
