A body language expert has shed light on what Melania Trump was truly feeling during her husband’s military parade on Saturday, which celebrated the US President’s 79th birthday and the 250th anniversary of the American Army. The 55-year-old First Lady dazzled in a white pinstripe skirt power suit, while her husband sported his usual attire – a navy suit, white shirt and red tie – for the special ceremony held outside the White House. In an uncommon public display of affection, Melania held Donald’s hand throughout the parade and maintained a smile.
However, body language expert Judi James believes her interaction with her husband “suggests some tension” between the pair. She told MailOnline: “Her left hand seems to perform a small ritual that suggests inner tension, or she lifts it to preen her hair as it wafts in the breeze. When Trump is seated, it looks like another day in the White House office. While Melania performs a wide, Duchenne smile, his smile is the lip-clamped, acknowledging version and his posture slumps as he rests his elbows on his thighs and splays his knees with his hands forming a downward steeple gesture.”
The expert added that Melania appeared “more rigid” than her husband and was “almost mirroring the military pose of Pete Hegseth on Mr Trump’s other side.”
However, on the rare occasion Mr Trump does engage her in conversation, Judi observed Melania – who has been married to Trump for 20 years – “becomes more animated, leaning quickly sideways to listen and smile.”
The President seemed to have a sleepy moment during his birthday celebrations as an image of him purportedly snoozing went viral on social media.
The photograph that went viral on X depicts Mr Trump seated with closed eyes, apparently nodding off amidst the military pageantry. Online critics swiftly mocked the incident, calling it shameful behaviour.
One person wrote: “Trump seen falling asleep at his own birthday military parade”.
A second commented, “It was past his bedtime”, while another user teased, “This mutha sucka couldn’t even stay awake at his empty birthday parade. Chile, bye! #DemUnited #NoKingsParade #TrumpisaNationalDisgrace.”
Another wrote: “Falling asleep again, on his Birthday. No this is not at Pope inauguration. The military parade that he desperately wanted, and Americans paid millions for… So disrespectful of the US Military. Disgrace.”