Body Language Experts Decode the Tense Trump-Zelenskyy White House Meeting

During the meeting, which took place on Friday in the Oval Office, Trump and Vance accused Zelenskyy of not expressing enough gratitude for the support the United States has provided to his country.

Experts in body language noted that the absence of an interpreter, the imbalance of power, and the “warrior energy” Zelenskyy exudes after three years of war all contributed to escalating tensions and making the discussion spiral out of control.

Caroline Goyder, who trains politicians and business leaders in effective public speaking, remarked that the meeting lacked the usual “polite and carefully planned” behavior that audiences typically expect.

Trump is often courteous with world leaders, but his relationship with Zelenskyy—”which was never warm”—has remained strained. He has falsely claimed that Zelenskyy is a dictator and that Ukraine started the war, “an assertion in line with the Kremlin’s perspective.” In response, Zelenskyy accused the U.S. president of being trapped in “a web of misinformation.”

Goyder compared the heated exchange, which was broadcast live, to a theatrical performance in which Trump and Zelenskyy played out two entirely different scenes.

She explained that Trump seemed to be acting as though he were in a courtroom—”in a safe environment, with oceans separating him from Ukraine, allowing him to reposition himself easily. He is in a stable position.”

In contrast, Zelenskyy appeared as though he were in a battlefield, wearing military attire and carrying the weight of war into the meeting. He had urgent matters to address, according to Goyder, who described him as dynamic and quick-moving.

Body language expert Darren Stanton observed that Zelenskyy appeared “overcome with anger” and “entirely absorbed in his own frustration” during the discussion.

As Vance spoke, Zelenskyy initially leaned forward but then reclined and crossed his arms—an indication, according to Stanton, of a “dramatic shift in his internal emotions.”

Stanton explained that the Ukrainian president “felt he was either not being understood or was not allowed to express his views freely.” He added that Trump typically asserts dominance in handshakes—gripping tightly, patting firmly, lifting his chin, and pressing his fingers together while keeping both feet flat on the ground to project authority.

Recent world leaders visiting the U.S. have gone to great lengths to appeal to Trump’s ego, mimic his body language, and adopt his communication style in negotiations and trade discussions.

During British Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s visit, Trump asked him whether Britain could defend itself against Russia, to which Starmer responded with a “forced smile.”

French President Emmanuel Macron, however, took a different approach this week, placing his hand on Trump’s arm to correct a misleading statement about Europe’s financial aid to Ukraine.

Stanton interpreted Macron’s gesture as a show of dominance, as if to say, “Be quiet, I’m speaking.”

Unlike his interactions with most leaders, Trump displays particular respect for Russian President Vladimir Putin. Goyder noted that his body language suggests he sees Putin as an authoritative elder figure. She pointed out that Trump avoided his usual forceful handshake when greeting the Russian leader.

Friday’s meeting stood in stark contrast to recent gatherings where Trump welcomed leaders from Israel, Japan, Jordan, India, France, and Britain.