Donald and Melania Trump have rarely shown public affection. In fact, during the election night last November, a body language expert suggested that Melania didn’t seem very happy about her husband’s victory. There’s been a lot of talk over the years about the strength of their relationship. However, things seemed different on Inauguration Day, just a couple of months later.
On that Monday, Melania was seen smiling, holding Donald’s hand, and even sharing a few cheek kisses. A body language expert noticed a change in their connection, though not every moment of the day was perfect.
One expert, in particular, paid close attention to the couple’s dance at the inauguration ball. They noted a certain awkwardness in Melania’s body language, and there was a reason for it.
Inauguration Day – A New Beginning?
Donald Trump’s inauguration as the 47th President of the United States was grand, just like all presidential inaugurations. The cold weather stopped them from holding the ceremony outdoors, so Donald officially took the oath inside the U.S. Capitol Rotunda, surrounded by family.
For years, there had been talk about Melania possibly returning to the role of First Lady for another term. When the Trumps first left the White House, it was said that Melania wasn’t eager to come back. But as Donald began his next presidential campaign, Melania publicly said she was ready to return to the White House. But when Donald won in November, her reaction didn’t exactly scream excitement.
While many people saw the hug and kiss between Donald and Melania as a tender moment, body language expert Darren Stanton wasn’t convinced. He noticed that Melania seemed hesitant to join Donald on stage to celebrate the victory. According to him, their interaction didn’t feel intimate.
Stanton said, “It felt disjointed and awkward, with no real emotion from her. Her smiles didn’t seem genuine; they looked more like something she was doing just because she had to.”
He went on to explain, “Given the importance of her husband’s win, you’d expect her to show more emotion. But instead, she came across as distant, like she wasn’t fully present or joyful.”
Despite this, Melania had supported Donald at his rallies in the lead-up to the election. By January 20, when Donald was sworn in as President, their relationship seemed warmer.
A Changed Dynamic
Body language expert Judi James noticed the difference right away. She pointed out that throughout the day, Donald often held Melania’s hand, kissed her cheek, and gazed at her with romantic admiration. It looked like he was treating her like a true partner.
Melania’s outfit also stood out. Judi James said that her choice of a wide-brimmed hat and a sharply tailored coat made it clear that she wasn’t just standing by her husband, but was an equal partner ready to step into the role of First Lady.
James explained, “Her outfit sent a message. The hat and coat made her look like someone in charge, someone who knew her role. Her smile was confident, but her eyes were hidden, giving her an air of calm and authority.”
There were also moments when Melania’s body language revealed more about her feelings. For instance, after Donald’s speech, when they said goodbye to the Bidens, Melania’s response was subtle but telling. When Joe Biden placed his arm around her, Melania turned toward Donald and held onto her hat, almost as if using it as a distraction. Later, when Donald shook hands with Biden, Melania placed her arm around Donald’s waist, showing support and offering comfort.
Judi James also noticed that Melania seemed more confident as the day went on. “By the time they left the service, their clasped hands were a symbol of unity,” she said. “Trump even lifted their hands, showing his pride in her and how they were facing the day together. Melania’s smile, calm and composed, was a sign of elegance and confidence.”
The Anniversary Gift of Returning to the White House
January 22 marked a special day for Donald and Melania—it was their 20th wedding anniversary. They had tied the knot in a lavish ceremony at Bethesda-by-the-Sea in 2005. Moving back into the White House together seemed like a fitting anniversary gift.
At the inauguration ball, more moments of their relationship were analyzed by experts. Behavioral scientist Abbie Maroño observed that when Donald tried to kiss Melania at one point, the moment was awkward, with Melania giving him an air kiss instead. Maroño suggested that Melania might have been trying to shield herself from the public’s gaze.
Their dance at the Commander-in-Chief Ball began with some tension, but things seemed to ease up as more people, including Vice President JD Vance and his wife, joined them. By the end of the night, Melania was smiling and appeared to enjoy herself more.
At the Liberty Ball, another interesting moment was captured. Lip-reading expert Jeremy Freeman shared what Melania whispered to Donald during their dance. The exchange showed a mix of reassurance and playful banter, with Melania supporting her husband and Donald expressing his determination to do even better.
What do you think about Melania Trump and her relationship with Donald? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
