Body language experts breaks down Trump-Putin handshake, greeting ahead of high-stakes showdown

President Trump displayed “confidence” as he met Russian President Vladimir Putin on the tarmac at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson, according to a body language expert.

“As Trump stands waiting, he’s smiling—a sign he’s comfortable and looking forward to the event,” Patty Ann Wood told Newsweek. “It’s his natural smile, small and slightly downturned at the corners. His shoulders are back more than usual … his posture is unusually erect. This all suggests confidence.”

Another expert, Judi James, told the Daily Mail that the US president greeted Putin “like a chat show host who has landed an A-list guest” — but tried to set a different tone when the two men sat down.

“After the overkill cordiality of his greeting ritual, Trump’s grim expression and his tapping fingertips here suddenly gave him a tougher and less optimistic look,” said James.