Body language expert Judi James suggests that President Donald Trump's initial handshake with British Prime Minister Andy Burnham, during their first-ever meeting on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly in New York, was a deliberate power gesture.
James noted that Trump extended his hand quickly with his palm facing upwards, describing the clasp as strong and swift. "Trump's 'hand of friendship' to Burnham is a power gesture thanks to the speed and strength of the clasp," James told the Daily Mail. "He throws his hand out quickly, palm-up and we can hear the smack as the hands hit together."
In contrast, Burnham appeared more guarded, adopting a tense posture with his hands clasped tightly in front of his torso, which James interpreted as a protective barrier. As Trump continued to discuss his grievances with the media, Burnham displayed several gestures suggesting nervousness, including touching his hair, fiddling with his fingers, and playing with his wedding ring. James characterized Burnham's speech style as "word salad," indicating inner nervousness.
The meeting, which took place on Tuesday, saw Trump praising Burnham as a "natural business person" and asserting that the U.S.-UK relationship was stronger than under the previous Prime Minister, Keir Starmer. Trump stated, "I think right now, based on my relationship with your Prime Minister, Andy, I think we're doing very well."
However, the meeting was also marked by a significant political disagreement. Trump reiterated his opposition to the Labour government's agreement to transfer sovereignty of the Chagos Archipelago to Mauritius, while maintaining British and U.S. use of the Diego Garcia military base. "I don't support it. I think it's a terrible deal," Trump told reporters, calling the ownership claims "ridiculous."
Trump stated that he had discussed the issue with Burnham, who he suggested would be "looking at it." The President emphasized the strategic importance of the location, calling it "a very important piece of real estate, militarily and strategically."
The agreement, negotiated by the previous Labour government, involves Britain transferring sovereignty of the islands to Mauritius while leasing Diego Garcia back for 99 years. The government has stated this arrangement would involve payments averaging around £101 million per year, with a total net present value cost of approximately £3.4 billion. The deal has faced opposition, and its ratification has been stalled amid objections from Washington.
Trump also criticized Starmer, recalling the former Prime Minister's refusal to allow the U.S. to use Diego Garcia for strikes against Iran. He contrasted his current relationship with Burnham with his past interactions with Starmer.
James also observed a reaction from Foreign Secretary Ed Miliband, who was seated nearby. "As Trump sang Burnham's praises though we could see Milliband's face in the nearest seat looking very much as though he was wishing those words were for him," James said.