Key facts
- Body language expert Judi James analyzed the first meeting between Donald Trump and Andy Burnham.
- James described Trump's handshake as a "hand of friendship" that also carried a strong physical assertion.
- Burnham displayed gestures of discomfort and dissociation during Trump's criticisms of the media, according to James.
- Burnham's nervous gestures included touching his hair, fiddling with his fingers, and playing with his wedding ring.
- Trump said he could do business with Burnham but criticized the "terrible" Chagos deal.
Body language expert Judi James has analyzed the first face-to-face meeting between US President Donald Trump and British Prime Minister Andy Burnham, which took place on Tuesday on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly in New York. James told the Daily Mail that Trump's initial handshake with Burnham was a "hand of friendship" that also conveyed a strong physical assertion, characterized by a quick and strong clasp. Burnham's response, however, was described as more guarded, with his hands clasped in a protective barrier.
As Trump launched into his familiar criticisms of the media, James observed Burnham exhibiting gestures of disassociation and discomfort. These included unmeshing his fingers, running a hand through his hair, and an eye-dart suggesting a desire to exit the situation. Burnham's mouth clamp suggested a brief projection of power, but his gaze drifted as if to place himself above the confrontation. Trump, meanwhile, maintained a physically confident posture, at one point shrugging and gesturing towards Burnham as if noting his reluctance to join in with opinions.