Kathrine Frich
The group had gathered to welcome Chinese President Xi Jinping.
High-stakes political events are usually tightly scripted affairs where every gesture is planned in advance.
But when the cameras keep rolling, unguarded moments often slip through the cracks.
Sometimes, all it takes is a trained eye to figure out exactly what was said behind the smiles.
Catching the moment
Vice President JD Vance stood alongside his wife, Usha, and Ivanka Trump on the White House lawn this week. The group had gathered to welcome Chinese President Xi Jinping. His highly anticipated state visit brought out the top tiers of the administration.
While the politicians smiled for the flashing cameras, a body language and lip reading expert decoded their private chatter. Nicola Hickling told The Irish Star that Vance seemed thrilled by the spectacle.
The expert noted a cheerful exchange between the vice president and his wife. Vance reportedly said, “I’m so excited.”
According to Hickling, Usha quickly replied to her husband with a playful observation. She told him, “You are like a kid who has found their favorite toy.” Vance simply answered, “yay.”
Out of the woods
The conversation then shifted toward President Donald Trump. Hickling noted that Vance shared his thoughts with Ivanka as they watched her father take the global stage.
“He’s having his moment. So proud of how far it’s all come. How crazy is that?” Vance remarked.
Ivanka offered a protective response about her father. “Aww, don’t say that. Let him shine,” she replied, adding, “We’re outta the woods now. It’s so funny.”
The informal chat happened against the backdrop of serious international diplomacy. The Chinese leader and his wife, Madame Peng Liyuan, were starting the second day of a major three-day diplomatic trip.
Pandas and trade deals
Inside the presidential residence, the two world leaders worked on strengthening ties. Xi offered a gesture of goodwill by announcing that two pandas, Ping Ping and Fu Shuang, will head to a zoo in Atlanta soon.
The Chinese president described the loan program as an example of “friendship between the Chinese and Americans.” He also invited thousands of American students to visit China for educational exchanges. The new program will span the next five years.
Economic tensions also appeared to cool down. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent confirmed that the two nations agreed to pause their ongoing trade war until January.
The leaders eventually wrapped up a private afternoon session. Speaking to reporters from Reuters, Trump offered a brief review. He called the sit-down a “great meeting.”
