Japan PM’s ‘Margaret Thatcher’ body language is a Trump masterclass | US | News
Japanese Prime Minister gives a ‘master lesson’ on how to deal with President Donald Trump (Image: Getty Images)
The Japanese Prime Minister has given a “master lesson” on how to deal with President Donald Trump and, according to a body language expert, he may have been inspired by the “Iron Lady” herself, former British Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher.
Sanae Takaichi met with the president at the White House on Thursday, following Trump’s rejected calls for U.S. allies to help protect the Strait of Hormuz. During the encounter, body language expert Judi James said Takaichi used soft power and authority.
“Other world leaders who want to know how to deal with Trump may also want to watch this meeting between the presidents of the United States and Japan,” James said. “Takaichi’s body language key belies his strong character, sense of humor, and ability to take control.”
James observed Takaichi’s “very dignified pose” as Trump spoke, sitting across from the president, his hands crossed on one leg. During the meeting, Trump called Takaichi “a popular, strong, wonderful woman.”
“Takaichi’s ability to dominate the meeting like no other world leader has is telling, showing that Trump’s alpha body language techniques don’t always have to be questioned with a display consistent with the silverback stance,” James said, noting that Trump extended his hand to clasp what was supposed to be a power grip.
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“But here Takaichi takes control quietly, politely but firmly, in a non-verbal manner that Margaret Thatcher once did.”
James noted that another show of authority by Takaichi was to assign an interpreter, which forced Trump to listen to him twice.
Taikaichi speaks English and is known for using it in diplomatic contexts. He served as a congressional aide to then-Colorado Rep. Pat Schroeder in the late 1980s.
“During the translation, Takaichi adopts a pose of soft power and strong authority, smiling at Trump but also pinning him down with sustained eye contact,” James said, noting that the prime minister uses firm, short sentences and frequently addresses the president as “Donald” to make him “a little more junior than usual.”
Sanae Takaichi met with the president at the White House on Thursday (Image: Getty Images)
Takaichi raised his eyebrows after the joke and glanced at his watch repeatedly as the atmosphere started to get weird. (Image: Getty Images)
According to James, “The constant pausing of translations seems to be a circuit breaker for the more dramatic presentations Trump specializes in, giving the meeting a more measured and thoughtful tone.”
Takaichi appeared uneasy after Trump made an inappropriate joke about Pearl Harbor, causing the prime minister to keep looking at his watch.
“Japan and the US are very good friends, but there is one question: Why did you not tell US allies in Europe and Asia, such as Japan, about the war before attacking Iran?” a reporter asked Trump in the Oval Office. “We, as Japanese citizens, are very confused.
Another show of authority by Takaichi was to appoint a translator. (Image: Getty Images)
“One thing; you don’t want to give too many signals, you know?” Trump replied. “When we went in we went in very hard and didn’t tell anyone about it because we wanted to surprise.”
That’s when he made the surprising joke: “Who knows the surprise better than Japan? Why didn’t you tell me about Pearl Harbor?”
Takaichi raised his eyebrows after the joke and glanced at his watch repeatedly as the atmosphere started to get weird.
