What should have been a big win for Sir Keir Starmer on the global stage turned into an unintentionally comedic moment at the G7 summit in Canada.
As cameras from around the world rolled, Starmer found himself caught in an awkward exchange with former U.S. President Donald Trump—one that a top body language expert says may stick in the public’s mind far more than any policy announcement.
A Fumbled Deal and an Unfortunate Gesture
The scene unfolded during a high-profile press conference where Trump announced that a historic US-UK trade deal had just been signed.
But just as he was presenting the documents, they slipped from his hands.
Starmer instinctively bent down to pick them up while Trump remained standing tall, still holding the open folder.
According to body language specialist Judi James, the image that followed wasn’t exactly flattering.
She described it as Starmer “groveling” at Trump’s feet—comparing the UK Prime Minister’s posture to a “dog wagging its tail,” eager for approval.
Trying to Save Face with Humor
Starmer, initially appearing composed and confident, tried to recover the moment with lightheartedness.
As he bundled the dropped papers back into the folder, he let out a laugh and quipped, “It’s a very important document.”
But James pointed out that the power dynamics were already firmly set.
Starmer’s body language—pulling his jacket together and clasping his hands—was a clear self-congratulatory move right before things went sideways.
From that point on, it was tough to regain control of the narrative.
Trump’s Dominance at the Podium
Throughout the event, Trump remained front and center, delivering his signature brash remarks and overshadowing Starmer’s attempts to share the spotlight.
“It was The Trump Show,” James remarked, noting how Trump fielded most of the big questions, while Starmer was left smiling politely, often waiting for a moment to jump in—one that rarely came.
At one point, Trump even mistakenly said the deal was with the “European Union” instead of the UK.
Cameras caught Starmer’s reaction, his expression dipping as he tried to maintain composure.
Judi James noted that this slip clearly dampened Starmer’s mood.
Subtle Signs of Discomfort
Body language cues throughout the event painted a picture of a man increasingly uncomfortable.
Starmer nodded eagerly when Trump pointed to him, a sign of “cue-seeking behavior” according to James.
When Starmer did speak, even his confident-sounding words—like calling the agreement a “really important deal”—were quickly interrupted by Trump.
There were also moments where Starmer awkwardly agreed with Trump, like nodding during his comments about Joe Biden’s handling of Russia and Iran, and laughing when Trump joked that Starmer was “slightly more liberal than I am.”
Wrapping Up With a School Report Vibe
As the press conference wore on, Starmer’s body language began to show signs of wanting out.
When Trump gave him a glowing endorsement—saying, “This PM has done a good job.
I want to tell the people of the UK”—it felt more like a teacher wrapping up a term report than a fellow leader offering praise.
In response, Starmer clasped his hands in front of his torso—a gesture that James says signals withdrawal or a desire to end the interaction.
The message was clear: he was ready for the whole awkward show to be over.