And body language experts say their interactions were telling. According to Patti Wood, a body language expert and author of “SNAP: Making the Most of First Impressions, Body Language, and Charisma,” research on office politics body language shows that bosses often take a dominant position by sitting while the subordinate stands in front of their desk. “This is protecting himself and also may show submissiveness,” said Traci Brown, a body language expert and behavior analyst. By hitting Mamdani, Trump is essentially demonstrating that he is in charge. Dancing back, for context, may have included things like making mutual eye contact and turning his body toward Trump, according to Wood.
