Donald and Melania Trump rarely exhibit their love in public. One body language on election night last year suggested Melania didn’t like her husband’s win, despite years of suspicions about their marriage.
Things changed on Monday for Inauguration Day. Melania smiled, held her husband’s hand, and kissed him on the cheek. Even while it wasn’t all pleasant during the day, one body language expert said Donald and Melania’s behavior has changed their relationship.
One body language specialist detected something odd about Melania Trump’s actions during the inauguration ball dance.
Donald Trump’s inauguration as 47th US president was great, as usual. The former real estate billionaire took his oath of office inside the US Capitol Rotunda with his family for the whole day, even though it was too chilly to see him outdoors.
Years have been spent debating Melania Trump’s second-term bid. When the Trumps first left the White House, she reportedly didn’t want to return.
Melania publicly supported her husband by saying she would love to return to 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue as Trump began his second presidential campaign. She seemed unimpressed when Donald won the presidential election in November.
One body language expert disagreed with Donald and Melania’s hug and kiss, which many found wonderful. Darren Stanton said Melania was reluctant to walk to her husband on stage to celebrate the presidential election because there was “no closeness.”
Explaining Melania Trump’s “unhappy” election day mood
“When Trump looks back at Melania and indicates to her to come over for an embrace, she grudgingly comes,” Stanton told the Mirror. “It’s awkward and she’s emotionless. Melania’s smiles seem staged.”
Stanton added: “Her husband was elected president, but there’s not much emotion. Everything is staged—she’s afraid to display emotion and has no real joy. Melania is always awkward.”
Melania attended her husband’s final presidential campaign rallies. Since the November election, she and Donald have prepared to return to the White House. After Donald was sworn in as the 47th President of the United States on January 20, the Trump family celebrated and the bond between the new POTUS and FLOTUS seemed healthier than ever.
Judi James, a body language expert, told the Mirror that Donald spent most of the inauguration clutching his wife’s hand or “taking it like some Regency gentleman, kissing her proffered cheek or even gazing at her as they danced together like a man in the throes of some romantic thrall.”
The First Lady’s costumes are typically big news, and the inauguration was no exception. Judi James said Melania’s attire conveyed her character as first lady.
Melania Trump conveyed power on Inauguration Day with her saucer-shaped hat and aggressively tailored coat, portraying her as Equal to Trump and a serious businesswoman. James stated her smile was regal and confident behind the brim, but her eyes were covered.
Melania seemed to make her feelings clear when Biden placed an arm around her waist for ten seconds and she turned away from her husband with one elbow splayed while holding onto her hat brim during tricky social moments, like when they were seeing the Bidens off after Trump’s flame-thrower of a speech. As Trump moved in to shake hands with Biden, she patted, rewarded, and reassured him with her arm around his waist for several seconds.
Body language specialist James said Melania’s “power signals” had risen. She said that the First Lady’s welcoming grin conveyed “an air of relaxed confidence.”
As they exit the church, Donald and Melania enlarge their linked hands to show unity. Trump lifts the clasp higher a few times, practically waving it as they walk towards their car, as though showing both pride in his wife and a gentlemanly concern for her as they step off the curb,” James told the Mirror.
Trump’s expression matches his official portrait—slightly stern, almost baleful. Melania, however, looks determined to celebrate. Though her hat brim covers her eyes, her big, toothy smile exudes confidence.”
Expert: Melania “protected from criticism by hiding her expression.”
Melania claimed she was more prepared to enter the White House this time, so she may approach things differently. Inbaal Honigman, another body language specialist, said her conduct changed from 2017 to 2018 inauguration.
“Melania’s body language during the 2025 inauguration is still and neutral,” Inbaal told Covers.com. She sits still in her model position, her face neutral, allowing her spouse take center stage.”
He added that she was more “friendly.”
“In contrast, Melania of 2017 smiled and waved, appearing friendlier to the crowds,” he said. Melania has a neutral face. She has been criticized for her short smiles and lack of expression, which she must have understood.
Honigman concluded: “During this inauguration, Melania hid her neutral expression behind a wide-brimmed hat to avoid criticism.”
Donald and Melania celebrated their 20th wedding anniversary this week. After their star-studded Bethesda-By-the-Sea wedding on January 22, 2005, moving back into the White House was one of the best 20th anniversary gifts.
While Melania is accustomed to the spotlight, behavioral scientist Abbie Maroño observed something that others overlooked during their intimate moments on Inauguration Day.
Donald Trump and Melania’s “awkward” Inauguration Day conversation
Maroño told Newsweek that Melania’s actions showed unease with public attention.
President Trump attempted to kiss First Lady Melania Trump, but her wide-brimmed hat blocked him, resulting in an embarrassing air kiss. This could have concealed her face, expressing uneasiness with public attention. The absence of eye contact, smiles, or hand-holding between the couple, implying discomfort,” she said.
President Trump and Melania danced the first dance at the inaugural ball. When Vice President JD Vance, his wife Usha, and military personnel joined them on stage, the tension eased. This casual contact led to President Trump enthusiastically engaging Melania smiling during the dance.
Later that day, at the Inaugural Ball, Donald and Melania performed their first traditional dance as president and first lady. The Commander-in-Chief event was the first of three inauguration balls the couple attended before Donald’s inauguration.
Abbie Maroño reported another ‘awkward’ incident between the two. Famous body language expert Mark Bowden thought Melania seemed uneasy.
A typical ballroom hold between him and Melania rapidly becomes awkward. Bowden told the Irish Star that Melania’s head springing back—likely to flick her hair away from her face—risks appearing as a quick, awful moment of repulsion.
Secrets Melania told her husband during the Inauguration Day ball
Trump’s head reflexively jerks back, as if misreading the motion. He thrusts his head into Melania to reconnect.
The body language expert said: “This shaky start leaves Trump leaning forward, while Melania meets him cheek to cheek. With her wide-brimmed hat no longer functioning as a barrier, the couple is closer than earlier in the day-though uncomfortably close to the ear that once took a bullet.”
A lip-reading expert said Donald muttered a personal message to his wife at the Liberty Ball on Inauguration Day. Jeremy Freeman told the Mirror Melania’s response.
“Today is one we will never forget,” Melania added, according to Freeman. Donald replied, “You’re right, I’ll learn, I’ll fight.”
Melania supported her husband with “I got you,” to which Trump replied, “We’ll see,” according to Jeremy Freeeman. Will you manage? Less difficult, less resistance?
The First Lady remarked, “It’s a no,” and Trump said, “I hear you.”
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