"Trump Appeared Genuinely Excited by Gold Crown Gift"…Body Language Expert Analysis

UK Media Reports Expert Analysis
"Suppressed Joy and Excitement Revealed"

A body language expert has analyzed that U.S. President Donald Trump showed clear signs of great satisfaction in his facial expressions and gestures after receiving a model of the 'Silla Cheonmachong Gold Crown' as a gift during the Korea-U.S. summit.

President Lee Jae-myung is shaking hands with U.S. President Donald Trump after presenting him with a 'Cheonmachong Gold Crown Replica' at the Gyeongju National Museum in Gyeongbuk on the 29th. Photo by the Presidential Office Press Photographers Group, Yonhap News Agency

The British daily The Mirror reported on the 29th (local time), citing body language expert Judi James, that "President Trump appeared to be in a state of euphoria, as if imagining the future, after receiving the gold crown as a gift." She interpreted, "The way President Trump stared intently at the gold crown suggested that he was imagining when and on what occasion he might be able to wear it."

James analyzed that President Trump's facial expression and gestures revealed his joy. She noted, "The moment President Trump received the gift, he could not take his eyes off the gold crown," adding, "This is a typical reaction when someone is truly pleased with a gift." She also observed, "Although his lips were closed, he made a slight rotating gesture with his body from side to side," explaining that "this is a physical signal indicating suppressed joy and excitement."

Additionally, she pointed out, "He was also seen putting his arm around President Lee Jae-myung, as if embracing his back," adding, "This is an expression that reveals a sincere sense of gratitude."

The outlet mentioned that the gold crown was presented at a time when 'No Kings' protests condemning President Trump's authoritarian rule were taking place across the United States. Previously, in February this year, President Trump sparked controversy by sharing a fake Time magazine cover featuring himself wearing a crown with the phrase 'Long Live the King' on the White House's official Instagram account, following his announcement of the abolition of New York City's congestion pricing system.

On this day, after receiving the Republic of Korea's highest honor, the 'Order of Mugunghwa,' and the 'Cheonmachong Gold Crown' model from President Lee, President Trump responded, "This gold crown is truly special. The Order of Mugunghwa is simply beautiful. I want to wear it right now." It was also reported that he requested to take the gifts back on Air Force One, the U.S. presidential aircraft, rather than having them shipped by a Korean vessel.