A body language expert has claimed that Donald Trump gave Anthony Albanese “free reign” during their White House meeting on Monday.
Body language expert Dr Louise Mahler called it “a massive win for Albanese”, saying it was one of Trump’s most unusually deferential displays toward another leader, especially since he’s known for “managing every moment”.
“It was almost like a birthday party – Mr Albanese’s birthday,” Dr Mahler said.
“He’s holding back and being consciously effusive because it’s his birthday, letting him get away with things.”
From the very first handshake, Dr Mahler said it was clear Trump was restraining himself.
“Mr Trump let him double-tap him on the hand when they greeted, he let him initiate a handshake when they were at the table, let him have the last word [to the media] when they were at the door [before going inside],” she said.
Typically, she added, the President will “always make sure his hand will go on the back of the other leader” when going through a door.
“Mr Trump never lets another world leader have the last word or last action. He manages every moment. It was quite extraordinary.”
The leaders met in the Cabinet Room joined by Vice President JD Vance, Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth.
“Mr Albanese spoke clearly and strongly, that in itself was interesting,” Dr Mahler said.
“He spoke for too long and Trump let him speak. Mr Trump never responds so kindly. One wonders what is going on.”
Dr Mahler suggested the meeting appeared “pre-organised”.
“I think he was given open slather,” she said. “He was told ‘you have free reign’.”
She continued saying that overall their body language conveyed “effusive joy and success”.
“This was the most positive interaction for Albanese,” she said. “I have to say it was so positive that it made me question what has Australia given away.”
The meeting produced a multibillion-dollar deal aimed at boosting Australia’s critical minerals sector, with Trump also voicing strong support for the AUKUS defence pact and praising the relationship between the two nations.
“We’ve been long term, long time allies … and I would say there’s never been anybody better,” Trump said of Australia.
Dr Mahler also noted that Albanese appeared to be mirroring Trump throughout the meeting.
When the pair held up their signed agreements, Albanese initially held his directly in front, before quickly moving it to the side to mirror Trump, she explained.
“It’s a photographic trick, when you’re holding a certificate you never hold it in front of your body, always hold it to your side. In Australia we’re never taught that. Albanese was watching Mr Trump [and quickly moved his].”
But the moment wasn’t as triumphant for Australia’s Ambassador to the US, Kevin Rudd, who endured an awkward exchange over his past comments towards the President.
“I don’t like you and I probably never will,” Trump told a visibly tense Rudd, who was later seen apologising to the President as journalists were ushered out.
“I give him another week,” said Dr Mahler.
“He cannot stay. The impact of Mr Trump abusing him in front of the group was a catastrophe. Mr Rudd’s mouth dried up and he started to drink water. He stared straight ahead or at the table. He was going through a crisis.”
Opposition Deputy Leader Sussan Ley has since called the situation “untenable”, urging Albanese to recall Rudd in an interview with Sky News.
“When the Ambassador is the punchline of the joke and the Prime Minister is actually laughing at him, I think that tells us all we need to know about the fact that it’s probably not reasonable that he continue in the role.
“I don’t believe he should stay in that role. And to see the Prime Minister actually laughing at his own Ambassador in the room when the President made a joke, I think it’s untenable.”
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