EXCLUSIVE: “Timid” Donald Trump was not his usual “bombastic” self after a leading body language expert revealed the US President feels “King Charles is more important than him”
King Charles and Donald Trump greeted each other this afternoon (April 27) as the US President appeared “timid” in the presence of the reigning monarch of the United Kingdom. The US President appeared to show body language “never seen during his presidency”.
Trump and First Lady Melania greeted the King and Queen Camilla as the American hosts appeared to express “humility” in front of the White House in Washington DC.
Body language expert Inbaal Honigman analysed the King Charles and Queen Camilla on their first actions on the state visit to the US as Trump may have met his match after he appeared to feel “like King Charles is more important than him”.
The two couples greeted each other outside by the historic building’s south portico overlooking the lawns where past presidents have hosted Queen Elizabeth II.
Inbaal, who is speaking exclusively to the Daily Star in collaboration with casino.org/us, said: “As President Trump welcomes King Charles to the United States, he displays body language never before seen during his presidency.
“The Leader of the Free World must be a staunch monarchist, because his humble body language cues are more receptive, engaged and welcoming than with anyone else before the King.
“Mr and Mrs Trump walk towards the Windsors with their heads lightly bowed. The US leader is seen taking small, measured, careful steps, very unlike the long, confident steps associated with his bombastic personality.
“Those small steps, paired with his motionless arms by his sides, reveal a timid Trump, keen to make a good impression. He feels like King Charles is more important than him, a sentiment Trump very rarely expresses.”
Although Trump started off “humble”, it did not take him too long before he appeared to try a “power move” on King Charles as both looked to show their strength.
Inbaal added: “The moment that Trump spots the King emerge from the vehicle, he steps forward, his head lowered in humility. Trump reaches his arm out to shake the King’s, extending a welcome even when the two men are a full three feet apart. Trump is taking no chances, he’s determined to behave like a world leader in the presence of monarchy.
“In comparison, King Charles’s gait is casual as he walks towards President Trump, and his extended hand is relaxed, not stiff. Charles is pleased to see the President, and he’s certainly not trying to impress anybody.
“The men shake hands for a long time, their hands are strong and tight, bound together in a show of power. Neither of them wants to break the handshake first, in case it’s too soon, so they just remain bound for a few seconds, while Queen Camilla walks to join them. This lengthy handshake is a power move, each man holds more power than the other.”
Trump and the King ended the handshake by heading in for some tea with their wives, but not before the US President appeared to try show the world he has a new “bestie”.
Inbaal claimed: ” When the foursome pose for photographs, Trump can barely contain his excitement. Swaying his shoulders from side to side, like a toddler showing off a new toy, his lips tighten into a smug smile. The President views this visit as a little personal victory, and is quietly congratulating himself about it in his head.
When they turn to go inside, Trump places a welcoming, possessive hand over the King’s shoulder. He is delighted to show off his new bestie to the world’s leadership and media.”
The meeting kicked off King Charles and Queen Camilla’s state visit to America, which will later see them visit other parts of the US.
Following Tuesday’s (April 28) bilateral discussions with Trump in D.C., the King and Queen will travel to New York City on Wednesday (April 29) to pay their respects at the 9/11 memorial.
To conclude their visit, their Majesties will bid farewell to the Trumps on Thursday (April 30) before journeying south to Virginia for various community engagements.
For the latest breaking news and stories from across the globe from the Daily Star, sign up for our newsletters.