Donald Trump appeared to be attempting to build a connection with Chinese President Xi Jinping rather than assert dominance during their White House state dinner, according to body language expert Sean Johns, who analysed publicly available footage of their interaction.
Johns, founder of body language training company BodyLytics, said Trump's handshake, gestures and behaviour during the dinner suggested an effort to make Xi feel welcomed and respected. His assessment was based on his interpretation of visible behaviour, rather than private conversations or confirmed knowledge of either leader's intentions.
Donald Trump's Body Language With XI Jinping Analysed by Expert
The comments came after Trump hosted Xi at a White House state dinner during the Chinese president's state visit to the United States from Sept. 23-25, 2026.
Johns told The Post that Trump appeared to behave differently from some of his previous public encounters, particularly during his greeting with Xi. The expert said he noticed Trump 'closed the distance' and moved towards Xi during their interaction at the White House.
Johns interpreted the movement as an attempt to create a sense of connection between the two leaders.
'Closing the distance between people is trying to kind of like connect. In a strange way, you're connecting. So you're closing that gap,' Johns said.
The body language expert also focused on what he believed did not happen during the greeting. Johns said Trump did not use some physical behaviours he associates with previous handshakes, including prolonged shaking or grabbing another person's arm.
'What we're looking at with this handshake is what was not there,' Johns said. 'Because Donald Trump is known for the aggressive handshake. He shakes for too long. He kind of grabs you by the arm often.'
'And with President Xi, he didn't do that.'
According to Johns, Trump's approach appeared more respectful and balanced based on his interpretation of the footage. He said both leaders appeared comfortable during the exchange and that he did not see visible signs of either person attempting to dominate the interaction.
However, body language analysis is an interpretation of visible behaviour rather than a direct measure of someone's thoughts, intentions or private feelings. Public footage alone cannot establish what a person was thinking at a specific moment.
Trump's Toast and Ballroom Remarks Draw Attention
Johns also analysed Trump's remarks during the state dinner toast, where he said he noticed moments when the president's words and body language appeared different.
The expert pointed to Trump saying, 'We're delighted to have you here,' while describing his body language as more neutral.
'The words were positive, but the body language was neutral,' Johns said.
Another moment highlighted by Johns came when Trump discussed the White House ballroom project during his remarks. The expert said Trump became more expressive while speaking about the project and noted a change in his facial expressions.
'That's the first time where you see a genuine smile,' Johns said, adding that Trump appeared 'like a naughty schoolboy.'
Johns said Trump's gestures became more animated during that section of the speech, including pointing towards the camera. He described pointing with the index finger as a gesture that can sometimes be perceived as forceful, while noting that Trump's words about the ballroom were positive.
'There's a disconnect there somewhere between the perception of perhaps the ballroom and all the drama that surrounded it,' Johns said.
The expert also analysed Trump's reaction to the bald eagle statue presented to Xi during the dinner. Johns said Trump's movement towards the gift suggested approval and an effort to draw Xi's attention to the statue.
'You get close to things you like,' Johns said.
Johns' overall assessment was that Trump displayed fewer of the physical behaviours he associates with aggressive interactions during the meeting. He said he interpreted Trump's actions as showing that the president regarded the meeting as significant because of Xi's role and the importance of US-China relations.
'So he took that very seriously, aside from the odd joke or two,' Johns said.
