Body language expert observed a ‘striking’ moment between Trump and Melania (Image: Getty)
Donald Trump and Melania shared a “striking” moment when greeting Chinese President Xi Jinping and First Lady Peng Liyuan at Joint Base Andrews, according to a body language expert.
Xi was given a rare greeting from President Trump at the base just outside Washington, D.C., late on Wednesday afternoon local time.
It marked the first time since 1962 that a US president personally greeted a foreign leader at the base.
They were welcomed with an extravagant 30m-long red carpet and a ‘sonic boom’ caused by two US Air Force B-1 Lancer bombers flying overhead.
Dr Lillian Glass, body language expert of 40 years, said: “President Donald Trump and First Lady Melania Trump presented a striking picture as they walked hand in hand toward the red carpet to personally welcome Chinese President Xi Jinping and First Lady Peng Liyuan at Joint Base Andrews.”
The expert told The Express: “Trump and Melania walked in unison, taking small but deliberate steps. Melania’s red-soled Louboutin heels even seemed to visually echo the red carpet beneath them.”
Trump and Melania walked in unison (Image: Getty)
She continued that Xi and Peng also “moved in unison”.
“Both were smiling broadly as they approached their hosts. Peng and Melania appeared especially warm toward one another, smiling and engaging throughout the ceremony,” Glass said.
The meeting marks the second time the two world leaders have been together this year, following Trump’s visit to China in May.
The body language expert said: “The greetings themselves contained numerous gestures of cordiality. Trump cocked his head slightly during his interaction with Xi, a gesture that can communicate informality and attentiveness.
“When Trump greeted Peng, he leaned toward her as they shook hands, creating a warmer and less rigid interaction. Xi and Peng likewise greeted Melania with handshakes.”
Dr Glass noted that there was one disruption to the unusual welcoming ceremony, “the wind”.
Xi was unusually greeted by Trump on arrival and met with a red carpet (Image: Getty)
She claimed: “It was certainly not Donald Trump’s friend. His usually meticulously arranged hair was blown back dramatically, at one point revealing a part extending far back on his head.
“Trump repeatedly appeared conscious of the wind, while Melania also adjusted her hair.”
The expert continued that “the most interesting body language came as the four walked together.”
“Trump and Xi frequently remained in close proximity, and at several moments each angled his upper body toward the other while walking.
“Rather than maintaining rigid physical distance, their movements conveyed engagement with one another.”
She noted that the proximity between the US and Chinese leaders created an “atmosphere of cordiality.”
At the same time, Trump and Melania also portrayed a united front. Dr Glass added: “Trump placed a guiding hand on Melania’s back — a familiar gesture between the couple as he directed her forward.”
She concluded: “Whatever difficult political discussions await President Trump and President Xi behind closed doors, the body language of this arrival was unmistakably designed to communicate cordiality, respect and personal warmth.”
The leaders are set to hold talks on Thursday (September 24) on the future of AI, Taiwan, and tariffs, diplomatic experts believe.
