Body language expert compares Trump’s move to Meghan Markle’s well-known “power tap”
During his meeting with Russian president Vladimir Putin, Donald Trump was spotted using a gesture more often linked to Meghan Markle, according to a body language expert.
The summit, held in Alaska on Friday, ended without a breakthrough on Ukraine. Both leaders claimed progress on some issues but offered no details and declined to take questions.
Body language analyst Darren Stanton told The Mirror that Trump displayed what he described as a Markle-like “power tap.” Stanton observed the former president tapping his fingers against the podium while Putin spoke, noting it signalled impatience.
He explained further: “Trump did what we call a power pat. It’s a classic political move. Meghan Markle often uses it with Harry. On the surface it looks polite, but really it’s about asserting dominance — a way of saying, ‘I’m in control here.’”
Despite this, Stanton suggested Trump was unlikely to play psychological games with Putin. “After years of watching Trump, the one man he doesn’t try to outsmart is Putin. They’re both alpha males, both ‘silverbacks,’ and Putin always pushes back. That’s why their body language when they meet is so fascinating.”
