'Trump sees Putin as more powerful': Body language expert on historic handshake; Russian president 'far from cold'

Body language expert Patty Ann Wood gave her verdict on the historic handshake of President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin and said the handshake had warmth but Trump clearly sees Putin as more powerful as he placed his hand palm up, allowing Putin to place his palm on top.

Speaking to Newsweek, Wood said the handshake had a blend of deference, control and familiarity. "As Trump stands waiting, he's smiling—a sign he's comfortable and looking forward to the event," Wood said. "It's his natural smile, small and slightly downturned at the corners. His shoulders are back more than usual; he might be wearing a form-fitting undergarment because his posture is unusually erect. This all suggests confidence."

The expert noted that Trump was respectful towards Putin as the Russian president approached -- he was applauding lightly. Then Trump took a step forward.

"Trump typically likes to have his hand on top, but here it appears he presented his palm up—a weaker, more subordinate position—indicating he sees Putin as more powerful," Wood said.

"Still, he uses a signature Trump move: keeping the handshake tight to his mid-body to pull the other person in, a display of power," the expert said.

Trump and Putin maintained eye contact and smiled showing warmth and also a balance of deference and assertion, as their heads remained close together, Wood said.

Putin's body language far from cold

CNN noted that Putin was seen grinning as he peered out of the window of Donald Trump's limo. The same closeness was maintained when they were sitting down for their meeting as both Trump and Putin offered a few smiles.

"The Russian president is known for conveying his mindset through his posture. Former US presidents have commented on his habit of slouching in his chair as they are speaking, in a sign of his disinterest," CNN noted

"He wasn’t slouching in Alaska. Instead, he sat forward in his chair as the meeting got underway, hands clasped, as cameras clicked and reporters shouted unanswered questions," CNN added.