Donald and Melania Trump don’t often show affection in public. After the election last November, a body language expert pointed out that Melania didn’t seem very happy about her husband’s win. People have wondered for years about the strength of their relationship.
But something felt different on Inauguration Day. On that Monday, Melania was seen smiling, holding Donald’s hand, and even exchanging cheek kisses with him. A body language expert noticed a change in how they interacted, though not everything that day was perfect.
One expert focused closely on their dance at the inauguration ball. The way Melania acted during their dance seemed awkward, and there was a reason for it.
Donald’s inauguration as the 47th President of the United States was a grand event, just like all the others. The cold weather kept the ceremony outside, so the official swearing-in took place indoors at the US Capitol Rotunda, with Donald surrounded by his family.
People had been talking for years about whether Melania would take on the role of First Lady for a second term. When they first left the White House, it was reported that Melania didn’t really want to come back.
But as Donald began campaigning for president again, she publicly said she was ready to return to the White House. However, when her husband won the election in November, Melania didn’t seem too excited about it.
While some saw the hug and kiss between them as a touching moment, body language expert Darren Stanton was less convinced. He noticed that Melania seemed hesitant to join Donald on stage to celebrate. He said their interaction didn’t feel close.
Stanton explained, “It felt disjointed and awkward, with no real emotion from her. Her smiles didn’t look genuine. They seemed forced, like she was only smiling because she had to.”
He continued, “Given the huge win, you’d expect more visible emotion from her. But instead, her behavior looked restrained, almost like she wasn’t truly happy.”
Even so, Melania continued to support Donald in the final weeks leading up to the election. By January 20, Donald was officially inaugurated as president, and their relationship seemed warmer than before.
Body language expert Judi James spoke to the Mirror, observing that Donald held Melania’s hand often throughout the day. She described him as acting like a gentleman, kissing her cheek and gazing at her with admiration during their dance.
Melania’s outfit that day also spoke volumes. Judi said that her choice of clothing seemed to send a message about her role as First Lady.
“The wide-brimmed hat and sharply tailored coat made it clear that she was an equal partner to Donald,” James said. “She looked confident and ready to take charge. Her smile and the way she kept her eyes hidden added to her calm and regal presence.”
Later, there was a slightly awkward moment when they said goodbye to the Bidens after Donald’s speech. When Joe Biden put his arm around Melania, she turned toward Donald, clutching her hat as if to distract herself. As Donald shook hands with Biden, Melania put her arm around his waist, showing her support.
Judi James also pointed out how Melania seemed more confident this time. She noticed Melania’s poised smile, which showed she was calm and sure of herself.
“By the time they left the ceremony, Donald and Melania’s clasped hands were a clear sign of unity,” James said. “Trump even lifted their hands up as if to show off his pride in her. Melania’s smile radiated elegance and relaxation.”
Another expert, Inbaal Honigman, also saw a shift in Melania’s approach compared to 2017. This time, she seemed more composed and neutral, letting Donald take the spotlight. She kept her expressions simple and didn’t make any big gestures, allowing the focus to stay on her husband.
“In 2017, Melania had more noticeable reactions, but this time she was calm and neutral,” Honigman observed. “Her wide-brimmed hat acted as a shield from criticism and helped her maintain a neutral expression without drawing too much attention.”
January 22 marked Donald and Melania’s 20th wedding anniversary. They had gotten married at Bethesda-by-the-Sea in 2005. Moving back into the White House together seemed like the perfect anniversary gift.
At the inauguration ball, their interactions continued to spark interest. Abbie Maroño, a behavioral scientist, noticed some moments of discomfort when Donald tried to kiss Melania, leading to an awkward air kiss. Maroño suggested that this could have been Melania’s way of protecting herself from the public’s gaze.
At the Commander-in-Chief Ball, their dance started off a little tense, but as the evening went on and more people joined them, including Vice President JD Vance and his wife Usha, Melania began to relax and smile more.
In another moment at the Liberty Ball, lip-reading expert Jeremy Freeman shared what Melania whispered to Donald. The conversation showed a mix of support and lightheartedness. Melania reassured Donald, and he responded with determination to improve.
What do you think of Melania Trump and her role in the public eye? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
