Body language analyst Raghda El-Saeed, commenting on the bilateral meeting between President Abdel Fattah Al-Sisi and US President Donald Trump, noted that the reception was striking and characterized by mutual praise.
She highlighted that Trump repeatedly used the word “General” when addressing President El-Sisi, which served as a clear sign of personal respect and high regard, and underscored the close relationship between them. This sentiment was further reinforced when Trump recalled the memory of their very first meeting, a symbolic reference confirming the depth of their friendship.
Al-Saeed told that the body language between the two presidents was balanced and harmonious. She explained that Trump, by nature, tends to use expressive hand gestures and dynamic movements while speaking, whereas President Sisi appeared calm and steady in his expressions and movements, reflecting a significant degree of confidence and control in managing the situation.
Al-Saeed pointed out that one of the most prominent gestures observed during the meeting was the raised thumb(thumbs-up), a consistent trademark gesture for Trump in most of his bilateral meetings. This gesture signifies “All OK”or “everything is fine.”
She confirmed it has been the most repeated movement in official photos so far, reflecting Trump’s style of conveying confidence, reassurance, and friendliness during photo opportunities.
Al-Saeed also noted that Trump’s hand signal while standing with guests before the official photo was a pre-arranged cue with photographers, used to signal the exact moment to begin shooting the official picture after the brief side conversation concluded. She asserted that this is a standard protocol detail in his meetings with leaders.
She concluded that President Al-Sisi was highly effective and intelligent in his choice of words during the meeting, particularly when he extended an invitation to Trump to support and sponsor the reconstruction conference.
She described this as a quick-witted and politically astute statement, delivered at a surprising yet calculated moment that clearly left an impression on Trump.
