As Trump and Putin met in Alaska, their handshake wasn’t just a formality — it was a carefully choreographed power move, according to body language expert Patty Ann Wood.
“Trump began with his palm up, which signals a more deferential stance,” Wood explained. “But within seconds, he transitioned into a double handshake with a pat on Putin’s arm — a subtle way of taking control and showing dominance.”
Putin quickly adjusted his own hand position, shifting to a more dominant grip, revealing the quiet power struggle playing out between the two leaders.
“It’s a dance of control,” Wood noted. “Both men were asserting themselves without saying a word — and the B-2 flyover amplified the stakes.”
Trump with the iconic handshake.
— Owen Shroyer (@OwenShroyer1776) August 15, 2025
Putin with the iconic shrug to media.pic.twitter.com/hAQAxlJ6B9