A body language expert analyzes trump’s tense interaction with canada’s prime minister after he posted harsh criticism of the country.
Trump’s body language reveals power struggle with Canada’s PM
Tensions were evident when Trump met Canada’s new Prime Minister for the first time
The first meeting between President Donald Trump and new Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carne was tense, both in tone and in body language cues.
Before their White House encounter, Trump posted a scathing message on Truth Social.
“I look forward to meeting the new Prime Minister of Canada, Mark Carney,” he wrote. “I very much want to work with him, but cannot understand one simple TRUTH — Why is America subsidizing Canada by $200 Billion Dollars a year, in addition to giving them FREE Military Protection, and many other things?”
Trump critized Canada’s dependence on American support and trade.
Despite calling Carney’s visit “an honor,” Trump claimed the U.S. gives Canada “$200 billion a year.”
Additionally, Trump added that the U.S. doesn’t need Canada’s energy, cars, or resources.
“We don’t need their Cars, we don’t need their Energy, we don’t need their Lumber, we don’t need ANYTHING they have, other than their friendship, which hopefully we will always maintain.
“They, on the other hand, need EVERYTHING from us! The Prime Minister will be arriving shortly and that will be, most likely, my only question of consequence.” Trump added.
He concluded the post saying Canada “needs everything from us,” while hoping to maintain the friendship between the neighboring countries.
Canada responds after Trump’s post
Canada’s new leader has also used strong words to challenge President Trump’s agenda
Mark Carney has publicly warned Canadians that Trump wants control over Canada’s land, resources, and future—saying his goal is to “own us.”
He said: “As I’ve been warning for months, America wants our land, our resources, our water, our country – never.
“But these are not these are not idle threats, President Trump is trying to break us so that America can own us – that will never, that will never ever happen. But we also must recognize the reality that our world has fundamentally changed.”
He also vowedthat Canada “will never be for sale.”
Body language analyst analyzes the meeting between Trump and Canada’s PM
Body language analyst Beth Dawson broke down the tense physical interaction between the 78-year-old President and the 60-year-old Canadian Prime Minister.
Carney initiated the handshake with a slight bow of the head and an elbow touch. It suggested both respect and a desire for equal footing.
His forward-leaning posture and determined expression showed caution and assertiveness, with Dawson noting Carney appeared “careful not to be forceful, yet slightly intimidated.”
Carney revealed that President Trump’s gestures signaled dominance and control throughout the encounter.
According to Dawson, Trump’s reaction was revealing: he raised his right shoulder—a classic display of dominance—after receiving Carney’s handshake.
Trump began in a slightly stooped position, showing welcome, but quickly shifted to a more upright stance and raised his fist in a defiant gesture.
This movement was interpreted as a clear, non-verbal assertion of control in a politically tense situation.
Subtle physical cues showed Canada’s Prime Minister was not entirely at ease
Carney maintained eye contact and a fixed smile during the meeting.
However, Dawson noted that he clasped his hands in a “self-soothing” gesture while turning to the press.
She also observed that Carney looked to Trump for visual cues.
This indicated unease in the power dynamic, though Carney maintained composure throughout the meeting.
Dawson concluded there was “a restrained sense” that Carney felt slightly intimidated, despite his efforts to present confidence.
Both leaders exchanged pleasantries—but Trump’s vision for Canada raised eyebrows
Once inside the Oval Office, Trump praised Carney’s campaign and said they shared many views. He then made a bold statement about unifying the nations.
“I still believe Canada could be the 51st state,” Trump said, smiling. “It takes two to tango. It would be a wonderful marriage.”
Carney’s response was firm but diplomatic: “Some places are never for sale,” he told reporters, standing by his nation’s sovereignty.