Introduction:
The first official meeting between newly elected Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney and U.S. President Donald Trump on May 6, 2025, was filled with tension, and their body language did not go unnoticed. Trump had previously made scathing remarks about Canada on his social media platform Truth Social, questioning the fairness of the U.S.-Canada relationship. Carney, known for his assertive stance during his campaign, responded with a message of defiance. Body language expert Beth Dawson analyzed their interaction and offered insight into what their gestures revealed about the underlying dynamics of their encounter.
Trump’s Pre-Meeting Remarks
Before the meeting, Trump stirred the pot with critical comments about Canada’s contributions to the U.S. economy and its dependence on American resources. In his Truth Social post, Trump wrote, “I look forward to meeting the new Prime Minister of Canada, Mark Carney, but cannot understand one simple TRUTH—Why is America subsidizing Canada by $200 billion a year…?” His comments hinted at a contentious beginning, setting the stage for their face-to-face exchange.
Carney’s Assertiveness vs. Trump’s Dominance
When the two leaders met on the White House steps, their body language immediately conveyed the tension between them. Beth Dawson, a body language expert, analyzed the initial moments of their interaction.
Carney approached Trump with a slight inclination of his head and extended a handshake, placing a hand on Trump’s elbow. Dawson noted that this subtle tilt of the head combined assertiveness with a hint of submission, showing Carney’s determination but also his awareness of the delicate balance he needed to maintain. The touch on Trump’s elbow, Dawson explained, was a nonverbal attempt to create a sense of equality, indicating Carney’s desire for a level playing field without overstepping his bounds.
Trump, however, responded with a classic power move. As Carney reached out, Trump raised his right shoulder in a subtle display of dominance. While his posture started off relaxed, it quickly shifted as he straightened up and raised a clenched fist, signaling assertiveness and control.
Donald Trump and Mark Carney. Credit / Getty Images
Carney’s Subtle Tension
As the two men posed for the cameras, Dawson observed that Carney’s composed exterior showed some cracks. His steady smile and firm eye contact gave the appearance of confidence, but Carney also clasped his hands together—a self-soothing gesture—indicating some underlying unease. Dawson pointed out that Carney frequently glanced at Trump, seeking cues on how to react, further suggesting his wariness and discomfort in the situation.
A Shift in Tone in the Oval Office
Once inside the Oval Office, the tone of the meeting appeared to soften slightly. Trump told Carney it was “an honor” to host him and praised his performance during the election, a move aimed at setting a more cordial tone. “I thought you were excellent during the campaign,” Trump said. “I think we have a lot of things in common.”
Despite the friendly gesture, Trump once again steered the conversation toward provocative territory. He revived a controversial idea from his past rhetoric, suggesting that Canada could become the 51st state, claiming, “It would really be a wonderful marriage because it’s two places that get along very well.”
Donald Trump and Mark Carney at the White House. Credit: Anna Moneymaker / Getty.
Carney, however, remained firm in his response, saying, “Some places are never for sale,” signaling that while he may have been open to diplomacy, there were clear limits to what could be negotiated.
Conclusion:
The body language between President Trump and Prime Minister Carney during their meeting showcased the tension underlying their diplomatic encounter. Trump’s dominance and Carney’s assertiveness highlighted the contrasting styles of leadership, with both men trying to maintain control of the situation in their own ways. As the meeting progressed, it was clear that while there were moments of civility, the underlying political differences would remain a challenge for both leaders moving forward.
