Michael Gove of The Times and Kai Diekmann, former chief editor of the German newspaper Bild, recently interviewed Donald Trump. The entire transcript of their exchange can be found here.
One of more important questions Mr. Trump was asked involved Trump's anticipated trust for Angela Merkel and Vladimir Putin: "Talking about Russia, you know that Angela Merkel understands Putin very well because he is fluent in German, she is fluent in Russian, and they have known each other for a long time — but who would you trust more, Angela Merkel or Vladimir Putin?"
Trump answered, "Well, I start off trusting both — but let’s see how long that lasts. It may not last long at all."
The video above includes Trump during this answer (beginning at 2:22).
This first image (immediately above), was captured during the first portion of his response, "Well, I start off trusting both — but let’s see how long that ..."
Note his fingers are intertwined (aka interdigitated) with his elbows resting on his desk as he is speaking. This is a common authoritative configuration used by many alpha personalities and is meant to metaphorically elevate a person above others who are present as well as to appear thoughtful and contemplative - however in truth, the emotional tone is just the opposite. It indicates a defensiveness and closed-mindedness. A person who is using this body language is not open to suggestions or outside consideration - but only interested in advancing their agenda(s).
During the next portion of the sentence his thumbs momentarily extend as he says, "... lasts. It may not last ...", before they return back to their earlier form.
This evanescent "Thumb Extension" signifies the authority and control Trump feels as he makes his (rather ominous) prediction (Be careful not to confuse the "Thumb Extension" with a "Thumb Shrug" [How do you tell the difference?]) Mr. Trump enjoys the act of wielding power and his thumb extension is a clear signal of his feelings.
See also:
Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3819: Turkey's Parliament, Presidential Powers and Constitutional Amendments
Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 2817: President Obama Awards the Presidential Medal of Freedom with Distinction to Joe Biden
Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 2815: Donald Trump's first Press Conference as President-Elect
Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3802: Amanda Nunes, Ronda Rousey and UFC 207
Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3759: Nicole Kidman's and Jimmy Fallon's Almost Date Redux
Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3756: Amy Adams, Anxiety and Hesitancy to Disclose
Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3706: Hillary Clinton v. Donald Trump Presidential Debates - Part II
Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3676: Colin Kaepernick Says He Be Sitting Down During the National Anthem
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