What Kim Jong Un and Donald Trump’s body language reveals
US president ‘tried to take over’ by patting the North Korean leader multiple times

Body language experts have been unpicking the unprecedented meeting between Donald Trump and Kim Jong-un in Singapore today.
The US president has insisted that he and the North Korean leader “trust” each other and had an “honest, direct and productive” meeting - but what does their body language reveal?
Trump was “desperate to be seen to be in charge”, according to Paul Boross, an authority on communiation and pitching skills.
The Week
Escape your echo chamber. Get the facts behind the news, plus analysis from multiple perspectives.

Sign up for The Week's Free Newsletters
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
Analysing the historic handshake between the two leaders, Boross told Sky News that the US president “tried to take over” during their “very, very staged” first encounter.
Trump gave Kim several pats on the arm after the handshake, which Boross described as a “control indicator”.
“Trump tries to take over and he is doing as many pats as he can, which is very interesting because actually it doesn’t necessarily show the man who’s in charge,” he explained. “What it actually shows is the man who’s desperate to be seen to be in charge.”
Kim - who appeared to be wearing “lifts” in his shoes to make him seem taller - showed more control by staying very still and not reacting to all the touching, Boross added.
A free daily email with the biggest news stories of the day – and the best features from TheWeek.com
Karen Leong, managing director of Singapore-based talent development firm Influence Solutions, agreed that both leaders were trying to take charge. However, she noted that both found it difficult to conceal their nervousness once they were sitting down.
Trump displayed a slanted smile and fidgeted with his hands, while Kim was leaning and staring at the ground, Leong told Australian news site news.com.au.
However, cultural differences also need to be taken into account when analysing the exchange, according to Australian expert Allan Pease. For example, there seemed to be an awkward moment when Trump stared at Kim and the North Korean leader looked away, Pease told the South China Morning Post.
But in Korean culture, it is polite not to make full eye contact with someone who is older, and Trump is twice Kim’s age, the body language expert explained.
-
Why is this government shutdown so consequential?
Today's Big Question Federal employee layoffs could be in the thousands
-
Lavender marriage grows in generational appeal
In the spotlight Millennials and Gen Z are embracing these unions to combat financial uncertainty and the rollback of LGBTQ+ rights
-
The 5 best zombie TV shows of all time
The Week Recommends For undead aficionados, the age of abundance has truly arrived
-
US tipped to help Kyiv strike Russian energy sites
Speed Read Trump has approved providing Ukraine with intelligence for missile strikes on Russian energy infrastructure
-
Netanyahu agrees to Trump’s new Gaza peace plan
Speed Read At President Trump's meeting with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, they agreed upon a plan to end Israel’s war in Gaza
-
Russia is ‘helping China’ prepare for an invasion of Taiwan
In the Spotlight Russia is reportedly allowing China access to military training
-
Interpol arrests hundreds in Africa-wide sextortion crackdown
IN THE SPOTLIGHT A series of stings disrupts major cybercrime operations as law enforcement estimates millions in losses from schemes designed to prey on lonely users
-
The dark history of myths about immigrants eating swans and pets
In the Spotlight Nigel Farage has mimicked Donald Trump and peddled tropes and rumours that have long been used to ‘dehumanise’ immigrants
-
What would happen if Israel lost America’s support?
Today’s big question Loss of US backing could be a ‘catastrophe’ for Israel
-
Charlie Kirk, Jimmy Kimmel and free speech
Talking Point TV host’s cancellation and Trump administration’s threats to media have led to accusations of Maga hypocrisy
-
Kim Ju Ae: North Korea’s next leader?
The Explainer Kim Jong Un’s young daughter is being seen as his ‘recognised heir’ following a high-profile public appearance at China summit