The King arrived in Washington, D.C. with Queen Camilla on April 27 for an official state visit, where they were welcomed at the White House by Trump and Melania Trump.
Soon after, clips of their first interaction spread across social media, with many viewers closely analyzing Trump’s handshake. Some claimed he reached for the King’s hand and tried to pull it inward, interpreting it as an assertive or dominating gesture. Others praised Charles for holding his ground and not reacting.
Online reactions were quick to frame the moment as a subtle power struggle, with some suggesting Trump’s handshake style was intentionally forceful, while the King appeared steady and unfazed. Another moment also drew criticism, when Trump briefly placed a hand on Charles’s arm while guiding him inside, something a few viewers argued crossed royal etiquette.
However, several body language experts have offered a different perspective.
Judi James described Trump’s behavior as relatively restrained, noting that the light touch on the King’s arm seemed more like a diplomatic gesture than anything aggressive. She added that Charles has historically been more comfortable with physical gestures than Queen Elizabeth II, and that Trump’s approach appeared toned down compared to his usual style.
Another expert, Darren Stanton, agreed, explaining that while Trump often uses a “push-pull” handshake to signal confidence, he noticeably softened it in this case. According to Stanton, Trump’s use of open palm gestures suggested openness and respect, rather than dominance.
He also pointed out that Trump avoided the more exaggerated back-and-forth movements he sometimes uses with other leaders, which could indicate a conscious effort to show deference. The additional light touch on the King’s arm, he said, could be interpreted as an attempt to build rapport rather than assert control.
In short, while some viewers saw the interaction as a calculated display of power, experts suggest it may have been a more measured and respectful exchange than it first appeared.
