A body language expert has revealed one tell that proves Keir Starmer was anxious when he met Donald Trump, as he was desperate to please the US President. Judi James analysed the leaders’ behaviour as they greeted one another on the steps of Mr Trump’s golf resort in Ayrshire on the third full day of his visit to the UK. Sir Keir’s wife, Lady Victoria, was also present. Ms James said: “
As the Starmers arrived at the court of the President, Trump did perform what is called a partial ‘act of inconvenience’, coming halfway down the steps to greet them, although not far enough to prevent them walking upwards to perform the greeting ritual.
“Trump extended his right hand, palm-up, for a shake but his actual greeting was what’s called a ‘double-bagging’ ritual where he held Starmer’s hand but also held Lady Starmer by the upper arm to chat to her as he did so.” The specialist said that this was followed by a “bizarre claim” from the President that Lady Victoria is known as “the UK First Lady” across the pond, and “is a respected person all over the US”.
Ms James also deduced that Trump’s attention paid to Sir Keir’s wife “might have stymied Kier from doing his non-verbal illustration of a ‘bromance’ with the President”.
She added: “But he waited for his moment and a few minutes later his hand pounced like a striking snake, grabbing Trump on the right shoulder and gripping him there in a re-run of that shoulder-clasp he performed as he presented Trump with his invite from the King back in the White House.
“The gesture this time looked speedy and a little desperate. Trump responded by converting it into a handshake and the fall-out seemed to come in the flurry of anxiety rituals Starmer then performed as he stood next to the President as he gave his press conference.”
Lady Victoria then “adopted a grim poker face”, Ms James said, as the Prime Minister “let off a volley of anxiety rituals, holding his cuffs in the style of King Charles but then stroking them with his thumb in a self-comfort ritual”.
She added: “He pulled at his jacket, and he touched his belt.”
The expert then compared Sir Keir to an animal.
When Gaza came up as a subject, he “seemed to retire inside himself like a tortoise, folding his arms across his torso in a barrier ritual”.
Ms James concluded: “In the end he looked keen to get away from the press and inside the building but by then Trump had warmed to his theme, telling the press: ‘If I weren’t around, we’d have six major wars going on by now.'”
Another expert, shared similar insights.
Speaking on behalf of Spin Genie, body language expert Inbaal Honigman said: “The PM engages in quite a lot of nervous body language. From using one arm, then both to cover his body, to fiddling with his cuffs, Starmer is tense and eager to please.
“Moves such as tidying of clothes and smoothing of the body, are called grooming gestures and they’re designed to get the other person to like you.
“Covering gestures such as holding an arm or a hand in front of his torso or face, are called protective gestures and they suggest that Starmer feels vulnerable standing beside Trump’s big personality.”
The President also placed his hand on Lady Victoria’s arm, which “is no doubt intended as an ice breaker”.
Mr Honigman added: “Physical touch when meeting someone is used as a disarming mechanism, forming a bond between two people.
“However, the President’s hand is quite heavy on her arm, fingers splayed, as to be dominant. He also leans towards her, demonstrating that he is interested in what she has to say.”