03 August 2023 , 23:22
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Snarling Donald Trump gave off a telling hand gesture that hinted he was actually enjoying the fight, as he ranted to the waiting media scrum having pleaded not guilty in a federal court.
That's according to renowned body language expert Judi James, who says the embattled former US President managed to retain his air of "heavyweight, Trump-style dignity and possible martyrdom" as he broke his silence after his historic arraignment.
Trump spoke to reporters before boarding his plane at Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport, having just pleaded not guilty to trying to overturn the results of his 2020 presidential election loss, answering for the first time to federal charges that accuse him of orchestrating a brazen and ultimately failed attempt to block the peaceful transfer of presidential power.
Trump ranted about a "sad day for America" and said it was "also very sad driving through Washington DC and seeing the filth and decay". He also claimed the proceedings were a "persecution of a political opponent."
Trump speaks before he boards his plane at Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (AP)And, according to Judi, his body language showed he was actually enjoying the fight, but was also angry and snarling, speaking sideways like a cowboy.
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Judi told The Mirror: "The key clue about Trump’s inner emotional state and mood came as he stepped out of his plane on his arrival in Washington.
"It was a small but telling hand gesture that hinted he was not only up for the fight but maybe also enjoying it too. As he walked down the steps his right hand showed a ‘cocked’ or erect thumb, which is normally a signal of competitive anticipation, the kind of gesture a confident footballer uses as he runs out on the pitch at the start of a big match.
Trump, right, conferring with defense lawyer Todd Blanche (AP)"Snapping to attention in a dutiful gesture at the top of the steps on arrival he said ‘Thank you’ for no apparent reason apart from assuming he was facing loyal supporters. His face looked jowly and solemn and as he held his red tie down in the wind his lid of blonde hair lifted on the top of his head.
"Back on the tarmac after his hearing, Trump retained his air of heavyweight, Trump-style dignity and possible martyrdom. His face looked even grimmer as he pulled himself out of the car, with his mouth set in anger and his eyes narrowed. He grabbed the umbrella to hold it over himself and greeted the press with a mouth-shrug of resignation.
Valet Walt Nauta hands Trump an umbrella as he braves the rain (AP)"When he spoke about the ‘filth and decay of Washington DC’ it was hard to tell if he was being literal or hinting about the justice system. He displayed both upper and lower teeth in a snarl, speaking sideways-on in the style of an old Western cowboy. His body bristled as he repeated the word ‘persecution’ for emphasis, referring to himself as ‘the person’ being persecuted in a note of strange detachment."
Speaking outside the court after entering his plea, Trump said it was a "very sad day for America".
Pro and anti-Trump protesters gathered outside the courthouse (Getty Images)Mr Trump braved the rain and addressed the proceedings in a brief statement on a drizzly tarmac before he boarded his plane back to New Jersey, describing the case as a "persecution" designed to hurt his 2024 presidential campaign.
"This is a very sad day for America," he said.
"It was also very sad driving through Washington DC and seeing the filth and the decay and all of the broken buildings and walls and the graffiti.
"This is not the place that I left. It's a very sad thing to see.
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Protesters and police surrounded the court (Stephen Shaver/REX/Shutterstock)"If you look at what's happening, this is a persecution of a political opponent.
"This is not what is supposed to happen in America.
"This is the persecution of the person who is leading by very substantial numbers in the Republican primary and leading Biden by a lot.
"So if you can't beat him, you persecute him, or you prosecute him. You can't let this happen in America."