Donald and Melania Trump have always been private when it comes to showing affection in public. Over the years, people have noticed that Melania often seemed distant, especially in moments when her husband’s success was celebrated.
One such moment was during the election night in November last year, when experts pointed out that Melania didn’t seem too thrilled about Donald’s victory. This sparked a lot of speculation about their relationship.
However, things looked different on Inauguration Day. On that cold Monday, Melania smiled, held Donald’s hand, and even exchanged a kiss with him. Body language experts noticed a big change in their connection, even though not everything about the day was perfect.
One expert paid close attention to their dance at the inauguration ball and pointed out an awkward moment in Melania’s behavior. It was clear that something was going on beneath the surface.
Donald Trump’s inauguration as the 47th President of the United States was a grand occasion, full of tradition and ceremony. But due to the chilly weather, the outdoor ceremony had to be moved inside the U.S. Capitol Rotunda. Surrounded by family, Donald took his oath, officially becoming President.
For years, there had been talk about Melania possibly being First Lady for a second term. After the Trumps left the White House the first time, reports said Melania was hesitant about coming back.
But when Donald started his campaign for a second term, she publicly said she was ready to return to 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue. However, when the election results came in and Donald won again, Melania didn’t seem overjoyed.
While some people thought the couple’s hug and kiss on stage were sweet, body language expert Darren Stanton noticed something off. He said Melania seemed hesitant to join Donald to celebrate, and the moment lacked the warmth many expected.
“It felt disjointed and awkward, with no real emotion from her,” Stanton explained. “Her smile didn’t seem genuine—it looked like she was just putting on a show for the cameras.”
Stanton continued, “You’d expect Melania to be more emotional, considering the significance of her husband’s win, but she looked distant and almost disconnected from the moment.”
Even though Melania didn’t seem excited about the election results, she still supported Donald at his rallies before the election. By January 20, Donald had been sworn in as President again, and this time, the couple’s interactions appeared warmer than before.
Body language expert Judi James spoke to the Mirror about their relationship during Inauguration Day. She noted that throughout the day, Donald held Melania’s hand a lot. He also kissed her cheek and looked at her with admiration during their dance, acting like a chivalrous gentleman. This behavior was a clear sign of affection.
Melania’s choice of outfit also made a statement. Judi James pointed out that her wide-brimmed hat and sharply tailored coat made her look like an equal partner to Donald, a woman who was ready to step into the First Lady role with confidence. “Her confident smile and the way her eyes were concealed gave her a calm, regal presence,” James observed.
But the day wasn’t all smooth sailing. There was a particularly awkward moment when the Trumps had to say goodbye to Joe and Jill Biden after Donald’s speech. As Biden placed his arm around Melania, she quickly turned toward Donald, holding onto her hat as if it was a distraction. Later, when Donald shook hands with Biden, Melania put her arm around Donald’s waist, offering him comfort and support.
Body language experts also saw a shift in Melania’s confidence. Judi James pointed out her poised smile and calm demeanor, saying it showed she was comfortable and assured.
“By the time they left the service, their clasped hands were a symbol of their unity,” James said. “Donald even lifted their hands, showing pride and care as they made their way together.”
Another expert, Inbaal Honigman, noticed a major difference in Melania’s behavior compared to the inauguration four years earlier. This time, she appeared more composed and neutral. She was careful with her expressions and gestures, making sure all the attention stayed on her husband.
Honigman said, “Melania’s calm and neutral demeanor helped her stay in the background, allowing her husband to shine. Her wide-brimmed hat acted as a shield, letting her maintain a quiet, composed expression.”
January 22 was another important day for the Trumps—it marked their 20th wedding anniversary. They had married in a beautiful ceremony at Bethesda-by-the-Sea in 2005, and now, moving back into the White House together seemed like a fitting anniversary gift.
The couple’s interactions at the inauguration ball also continued to catch people’s attention. Behavioral scientist Abbie Maroño noticed that Melania seemed uncomfortable when Donald tried to kiss her, resulting in an awkward air kiss. Maroño suggested that this might have been Melania’s way of shielding herself from the public’s gaze, protecting her privacy in such a public setting.
At the Commander-in-Chief Ball, the couple’s dance started out stiff and awkward, but as the evening went on, the tension eased. When Vice President JD Vance and his wife Usha joined them, the atmosphere became more relaxed, and Melania seemed to enjoy herself more.
In another moment, lip-reading expert Jeremy Freeman claimed to have figured out what Melania whispered to Donald during the Liberty Ball. He said that Melania offered words of reassurance, while Donald responded with determination. “She was supporting him,” Freeman explained, “and Donald seemed to promise that he would work to improve things.”
As the night ended, the Trumps left the ball hand in hand, with the public still talking about their interactions. It was clear that their relationship was complicated, with moments of awkwardness but also signs of affection and understanding. The day had been full of emotion—some good, some not so easy—but it seemed that, together, they were finding their rhythm.
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