President Trump's interactions with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan at the recent NATO summit displayed a notable alignment, according to body language expert Lillian Glass. Trump's gestures and proximity to Erdoğan indicated a positive welcome and a close relationship, Glass told The Post.
During their meeting, Trump greeted Erdoğan with a "clap[ping] his hands in delight and then reach[ing] out his hand to [Erdoğan] with an open palm, which is a very positive welcome greeting," Glass observed. She added that Trump placing a hand on Erdoğan's shoulder and standing in close proximity were gestures signifying friendship. "He also st[ood] very close to him, which is another sign of their closeness, literally and figuratively. Trump again reache[d] out and pat him on the arm."
Glass noted that Erdoğan also reciprocated these gestures, with an instance where he "grab[bed] onto Trump… and even bump[ed] arms at one point." According to the expert, Erdoğan showed respect by allowing Trump to take the lead and by maintaining physical contact, "keeps holding onto Trump’s back during the whole conversation."
"With the close proximity of their leaning into one another, there is a mutual affection towards one another and clearly a friendship," Glass stated. She also interpreted Trump's expansive, open-palm gestures during a press availability as indicative of credibility and sincerity when he referred to Turkey as a great ally.
These observations coincided with Trump's announcement on the first day of the summit that he intended to lift weapons-sale sanctions previously imposed on Turkey. He also indicated consideration of authorizing the sale of F-35 stealth fighter jets, a move that could bolster Turkey's military capabilities in the region. Trump also praised Turkey's actions during the Iran war, contrasting it with allies he criticized for withholding assistance.