Emmanuel Macron joined Donald Trump at the White House on the third anniversary of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine
A body language expert has analyzed a ‘powerful’ moment during a recent press conference when French President Emmanuel Macron interrupted US President Donald Trump to correct him.
The two leaders met at the White House on Monday, February 26, marking the third anniversary of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, amid strained US-European relations. During the press conference, Macron expressed support for Trump’s efforts to establish a connection with Russian President Vladimir Putin, saying there was ‘good reason’ for the leaders to ‘re-engage’. However, when Trump made a statement claiming that Europe was ‘loaning money to Ukraine’ and would eventually get it back, Macron quickly stepped in to correct him, saying, “No, in fact. To be frank, we paid. We paid 60 percent of the total effort.”
Body language expert Darren Stanton has since analyzed the interaction, revealing how both leaders were positioned during this moment of tension. Speaking to UNILAD on behalf of Spin Genie, Stanton explained: “When Macron interrupts Trump, he maintains control of the situation and doesn’t show any signs of embarrassment. Trump, on the other hand, lets Macron speak, initially clasping his hands together, which indicates he was giving Macron the benefit of the doubt and allowing him to have his moment. But then, Trump shifted to a steeple gesture – a classic power move, signaling that he believes he is the most dominant person in the room.”
Stanton believes that Trump’s subtle gesture with his hands was an attempt to assert his dominance and “prove he had control” during the exchange.
He elaborated, saying: “Trump also made a distinct gesture with his hand in an effort to regain power in the conversation. Meanwhile, Macron, still in control, placed his hand on Trump’s arm as he corrected him. Trump, however, responded with an almost dismissive hand gesture, signaling ‘yeah, whatever.’ He was also seen smiling and nodding while addressing the audience, showing that despite Macron’s correction, Trump wasn’t fully invested in the disagreement. Macron may have been the one speaking, but Trump’s body language clearly signaled that he wasn’t in full agreement.”
As the confrontation continued, Macron explained that European nations had contributed “real money” to Ukraine’s efforts, just like the US, through a mix of “loans, guarantees, and grants.” Trump, unfazed, responded to the journalists: “If you believe that, it’s okay with me.”
