A body language expert analyzes Donald Trump’s physical cues during his tense ABC News interview.
Body language reveals Trump’s emotions in key interview moments
During his 100 days interview, President Donald Trump’s body language revealed more than his words. A key gesture displayed frustration and escalating anger.
The gesture, analyzed by expert Darren Stanton, showed Trump’s emotional reaction to tough questions from journalist Terry Moran. This interaction took place inside the Oval Office.
Stanton, speaking on behalf of Genting Casino, focused on Trump’s physical movements. These gestures gave insight into the president’s real-time emotions.
Trump uses the ‘accordion gesture’ when reacting to stress and frustration
During the conversation, Trump used what Stanton calls the “accordion gesture.” This occurs when he moves his hands close and apart, as if playing an accordion.
This gesture typically appears when Trump feels pressure, frustration, or anger. The more agitated he becomes, the faster and more frequent the motion appears.
Stanton noted how Trump’s brows furrowed, gestures became erratic, and his body leaned back. He even squinted and slightly turned from the reporter.
According to Stanton, these are clear indicators of Trump trying to shut down the reporter with nonverbal cues. The body language reflected disdain and emotional discomfort.
Stanton, representing Genting Casino, told LADbible:
“The reporter appears to be really riling him up. I think the flippancy of the reporter created some real anger and frustration.
“When Trump thinks he is not being listened to, he tends to escalate things quite quickly, as he did in this situation. He was clearly very frustrated and angry.”
Stanton added that Trump tends to escalate his reactions when he feels unheard or dismissed.
He added: “You see his brows furrow and his gestures start to become more erratic.
He does that movement with his hands, I call it the ‘accordion gesture’, a lot when stressed and you can see the speed and frequency of those movements increasing.”You may have seen him put his hands out in front of him, moving them closer and further from each other when trying to make a point, like he’s playing an accordion.
“He also leans backwards and squints his eyes, almost turning his head from the reporter in disgust,” Stanton added.
“He also leans backwards and squints his eyes, almost turning his head from the reporter in disgust,” Stanton added.
“This is a clear signal of the disdain and anger towards the reporter quickly and calmly shutting down his lie.”
Trump clashes with ABC’s Moran over tourism and US reputation
Throughout the interview, ABC’s Terry Moran challenged Trump on his policies, including immigration and international perception. Trump dismissed claims that the US image had suffered.
When Moran cited data showing a drop in tourism, Trump rejected it. He insisted tourism was “doing very well” and that numbers would soon increase.
Preliminary data from the National Travel and Tourism Office showed an 11.6 percent drop in foreign tourists in March 2025. Trump disputed the figures on-air.
“In six months from now, wait until you see the numbers, they’re going to be very good,” he claimed.
He claimed gasoline, energy, and prices were down, insisting the economy had improved. He also stated that the US was now a “respected country” once again.
Despite government concerns over economic consequences, Trump confidently projected future growth. He promised tourism numbers would rise “in six months from now.”
President reacts strongly to immigration case and reporter questions
Later in the interview, Trump addressed the deportation of Kilmar Abrego Garcia, a Salvadoran man linked—according to Trump—to gang activity.
Though the Supreme Court ruled Garcia’s deportation was a mistake, Trump stood by the decision. He claimed Garcia had MS-13 tattoos on his knuckles.
Critics online pointed out those images may have been digitally altered. The administration has not commented further on the controversy surrounding the photographs.
Trump’s strong reaction to this case reflected his continued focus on strict immigration enforcement. His tone grew defensive when Moran challenged his narrative.
This exchange highlighted how policy, media scrutiny, and personal belief collided—intensifying Trump’s verbal and nonverbal tension.