Donald Trump’s interactions with his Vice President’s wife look “more personal” than with Melania Trump, a body language expert has claimed.
Inbaal Honigman said the 47th US President looked “unsure how to show affection to his wife” at the inauguration ceremony today.
The pair shared a very awkward-looking exchange ahead of the swearing-in ceremony in Washington DC this afternoon when Mr Trump leaned in to give his wife a kiss before seemingly deciding against it at the last moment.
Footage later showed the new President resting a “congratulating hand” on Usha, the wife of Vice President JD Vance after the ceremony – spurring Honigman to conclude that Mr Trump’s latter gesture was “more personal and kind” than his body language towards his own wife.
“Trump may have wanted to demonstrate marital bliss in greeting his missus with a kiss when he walked in, but their uncertain interaction ended up showing that they don’t respond naturally to another,” Honigman told the Covers betting platform.
The body language pro also shared her observations of Melania’s stature during the inauguration ceremony, describing it as predominantly “still and neutral”.
“She sits still in her model pose, her facial expression neutral, not drawing any attention to herself, letting all attention be on her husband,” she said.
“In comparison, Melania of 2017 flashed smiles and waved around, displaying a more friendly persona to the crowds.”
She did, however, credit some of the awkwardness of the couple’s near-kiss to the First Lady’s imposing black hat.
“[Trump] is clearly unsure how to show affection towards his wife in the presence of her impressive hat, but neither of them attempts to solve the situation,” Honigman said. “Melania could have angled her face to present her cheek to her husband. Donald could have bent a little lower to reach his wife’s cheek. But neither of them did it.”
Mrs Trump was absent for most of her husband’s campaigning, sparking rumours of marital discord – and despite putting on a show of unity at the inauguration, speculation is still rife about the first couple’s future.
She is expected to buck tradition by not moving into the White House with her husband, instead dividing her time between New York City and Palm Beach in Florida though she is still expected to accompany Mr Trump to high-profile events including the hosting of foreign dignitaries.
The 54-year-old reportedly struggled with the pressures of being First Lady during her husband’s first term and has admitted that she struggled to adjust to life in Washington, DC, where “people didn’t accept or understand” her and she “didn’t have much support”.
