During his recent speech at the UN General Assembly, former President Donald Trump managed to elicit a few laughs from delegates, an unexpected moment in what is typically a serious forum. Trump joked about the broken teleprompter, humor that briefly lightened the mood. This incident brought back memories of his 2018 address, where his claims of progress in the United States prompted laughter from the audience. However, this time, the laughter was fleeting, and the remaining 58 minutes of his 2025 monologue were met with silence and serious expressions from the assembled dignitaries and world leaders.
As Trump took the stage, it was clear that the atmosphere had shifted significantly since his earlier speeches. Psychologist and body language expert Peter Collett remarked to DW that Trump's previous bombast was once a source of amusement, but now, his words are often treated with seriousness. Collett noted that Trump has evolved into a global figure whose actions and statements are scrutinized closely by world leaders. Delegates appear to respond to him with concern, reflecting the unpredictability surrounding his political maneuvers.
Trump’s body language is a critical element of his public persona. Collett pointed out that Trump's physical presence is designed to project dominance, often referred to as the "top dog" effect. This includes deliberate movements and facial expressions that signify authority. Trump's notorious handshake encounters, such as the nearly wrestled exchange with French President Emmanuel Macron and the awkward 19-second handshake with Japan's former Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, exemplify his approach to asserting power. Collett highlighted that Trump uses his body to convey physical and political weight, embodying a dominant leader in a primal manner.
While delivering his speech, Trump was not only addressing the room full of world leaders but also speaking directly to his political base through various media platforms. Ned Price, a deputy to the US representative to the United Nations during the Biden administration, noted that Trump often reiterates his campaign messages, even in settings where the audience may be less than receptive. Collett emphasized that it can be challenging to gauge the audience's true reactions, as body language is often a mix of controlled and spontaneous responses.
Despite the lack of audible laughter, Collett suggested there may have been subtle reactions among the delegates that went unnoticed by the cameras. The psychological principle of contagious reactions could explain the collective stony faces observed during Trump’s speech. However, Collett surmised that the muted response was not a conscious decision but rather a reflection of the changing political climate and the delegates' collective experiences over nearly a decade of interacting with Trump’s style.
In contrast to the laughter that marked Trump's 2018 address, the muted response from world leaders in 2025 indicates a significant shift in political discourse. With nearly ten years of experience dealing with Trump's rhetoric, leaders are more cautious in their reactions. This evolution reflects a broader change in the political zeitgeist, where Trump's speeches, once seen as entertaining, are now approached with a sense of gravity and seriousness.
