Donald Trump or Angela Merkel? Body language expert reveals who appears to have MORE power
DONALD TRUMP welcomed German chancellor Angela Merkel to the White House yesterday to meet face-to-face for the first time - but during their press conference, who appeared the more powerful figurehead?
Trump: We must work with Germany to DEFEAT ISIS
The two leaders held a joint press conference in the East Room of the White House just a few hours ago to discuss strengthening NATO, fighting Islamic State and resolving Ukraine’s conflict.
President Trump greeted the German Chancellor when she first arrived to the White House despite accusing her of ‘ruining Germany’ for allowing an influx of refugees from Syria during his presidential campaign,
In turn, Mrs Merkel had criticised the President’s executive order, barring trade from six predominantly Muslim countries.
But during the press conference, did the pair manage to put their differences aside, or did they take the opportunity to exert power over the other? Body Language Expert and Keynote Speaker Darren Stanton revealed all to Express.co.uk.
Donald Trump and Angela Merkel body language: Which of the pair showed the most power?
Picture one: Angela Merkel displays a 'genuine' smile
It is believed who ever guides the other through and pats them on the back is the more powerful.
Picture one
Here we see Mr Trump addressing the press. Ms Merkel is displaying a genuine smile as we can see crows feet near her eyes which cannot be faked, so whatever the president is saying she is agreeing with and not just being polite.
He is making an open palm gesture either gesturing towards Mrs Merkel or the crowd, however it is a sign of openness and honesty as if to say “I mean you no harm”.
Picture two
President Trump has adopted a more formal stance and posture holding the podium which is commonly believed to be for reassurance and to look stronger, and could also be used as a reassurance gesture.
Ms Merkel’s expression has changed and perhaps is probably not as keen on the subject matter on this photo.
Picture two: Angela doesn't appear to be as keen on the subject matter here
Picture three: The pair's handshake is very interesting
Picture three
This is a really interesting photo. Mr Trump is holding Mrs Merkel’s hand in a very formal way as if to kiss it. Her hand is on top which means, this time, Mr Trump has not felt the need to crush the other politicians hand.
One explanation could be he changes handshakes in line with the gender of the other politician, however we can dismiss that as he crushes Theresa May’s hand with his bone crushing-style handshake.
The handshake is not displaying signs of any power play or hidden agendas we have seen previously with Mr Trump.
Mrs Merkel’s head is slightly positioned downward which is a submissive gesture, coupled with her shoulders being raised. I think she’s probably a little in awe of him.
She is also donning a genuine smile. Mrs Merkel is a really open political and what you see is what you get.
Picture four: Angela is flashing a genuine smile again
Picture 5: This is the classic political 'power pat'
Picture four
Again we see the open palm gesture by Mr Trump in a “now it’s over to you” handover.
Ms Merkel is flashing a genuine smile and seems happy to abide.
Picture five
This is the classic political “power pat” politicians often pat each other on the back and when they move through dos or exit stage.
It is believed who ever guides the other through and pats them on the back is the more powerful.