The U.S. President may have been complimentary during his first encounter with Canada’s newly elected Prime Minister on the White House steps, but that didn’t stop him from quickly taking charge.
On May 6, Donald Trump welcomed Mark Carney for their inaugural meeting since Carney succeeded Justin Trudeau following Canada’s general election on April 28.
Lip reading expert Nicola Hickling shared her interpretation of their initial exchange on behalf of Slingo.
According to Hickling, Trump opened with praise, congratulating Carney on a “really beautiful win.”
Carney reportedly replied, “It was the perfect win.”
Trump added further compliments, calling Carney’s victory both “beautiful” and “perfect,” with the Canadian leader repeating “perfect” in response.
But the pleasantries didn’t last long. Hickling claims Trump swiftly shifted gears and gave Carney a directive.
He allegedly said, “Just turn your face and wave over there.”
Carney, appearing unbothered, complied. Trump then thanked him and those around, just as the microphones were shut off.
He also reportedly turned to Vice President JD Vance and other officials, gesturing toward Carney and declaring, “I admire him.”
Body language specialist Beth Dawson examined the interaction as well, noting Carney’s posture showed both “confidence” and “a measured hint of deference.”
She highlighted an elbow touch that, in her words, “suggests a desire to connect as equals,” adding that Carney’s facial expression revealed “determination.” While not passive, she observed that Carney appeared “mildly daunted.”
Trump, in contrast, conveyed “clear dominance,” a tone that carried through to the Oval Office, where he reportedly attempted to revisit his long-standing suggestion that Canada become the 51st state of the United States.
Despite strained relations over trade tariffs, the two leaders exchanged compliments, with Trump labeling Carney a “very gifted guy” and Carney describing Trump as a “president who changed the game.”
Still, Trump couldn’t resist bringing up the idea of Canadian annexation, prompting Carney to echo Trudeau’s stance—Canada is “not on the market.”
Carney asserted: “As any realtor would tell you, some properties just aren’t for sale.
“I spoke to the true owners of Canada throughout my campaign, and the answer is firm. It’s not for sale—never will be.”
Trump, never one to concede easily, replied with a grin: “I always say, ‘Never say never.’”
