The power couple stepping off Marine One (Image: Getty)
It is one year to the day since Donald Trump was elected to be the US President for the second time.
The 79-year-old has been present at some major world events since returning to the White House – from the Pope’s funeral to being welcomed at Windsor Castle by King Charles and Queen Camilla for his historic state visit.
Throughout these public engagements, First Lady Melania Trump has been by his side. One renowned lip reader has been keeping a close eye on her interactions with her husband, and they show that she is not afraid to give him important commands.
This was discussed in a memoir recently published by Eric Trump (Under Siege: My Family’s Fight to Save Our Nation) where the president’s son spoke about Melania stepping in during the christenings of his children inside the White House.
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Donald Trump pictured after returning to the White House (Image: Getty)
He wrote: “After the baptism, my father picked up his new grandson and held him for a photo. Right on cue, and still dripping with water, Luke started to cry.
“Melania turned to him with a smile and took charge. ‘Donald, you run the country,’ she said as she gently took Luke and cradled him in her arms.”
And while Trump has been running the country for a second term, Melania has been there for guidance throughout, as we reveal below.
Inauguration
Trump’s inauguration after becoming America’s 47th president involved a dance with his wife at Liberty Ball.
During the shuffle that one observer called “awkward”, Melania showed her support during it. Lip reader Jeremy Freeman interpreted her as saying: “Today is one we will never forget.” Trump then replied: “You’re right, I’ll learn, I’ll fight.”
Melania continued to put his mind at ease during the sway and promised him “I got you”.
Pope’s Funeral
This promise by Melania was demonstrated during the funeral of Pope Frances in the Vatican back in April.
The service was on the same day as Melania’s 55th birthday and again the same lip reading expert was on hand to look at key exchanges.
One came when the camera showed French President Emmanuel Macron whispering to Finland President Alexander Stubb.
Donald Trump and his wife Melania at the Pope’s funeral (Image: Getty)
While the leaders shook hands and smiled for the cameras, Melania, noting everything that was happening around her, leaned into Trump to offer three words of advice.
She did this subtly so as not to draw attention and Jeremy claimed that she simply said: “Donald, look left.”
Appearing to trust Melania’s judgement, Trump immediately did as he was instructed, before engaging with the King of Spain, Felipe VI, and saying “great to see you… great to see you”.
He then appeared to be in full diplomatic mode after Melania’s intervention and he shook the hands of Stubb and Macron before telling the former: “Great to see you Alex, good to see you, how are you doing?”
Fellow lip reader Nicola Hickling, meanwhile, believes the power dynamic was also displayed when members of the audience, including Prince William, were about to exchange a Sign of Peace.
The viral exchange that was caught on camera (Image: AFP via Getty Images)
Trump appeared to hesitate and Nicola believed Melania said into his ear: “You should go and do it.” Once again, the president immediately did what his wife suggested.
Air Force One
The most recent example came in September when the power couple were spotted having a heated exchange through the window of Marine One.
Trump was seen wagging his finger at Melania in footage that went viral before lip reader Jeremy analysed it in closer detail.
The robust exchange happened after Trump appeared in New York for the United Nations General Assembly.
Jeremy believes they were talking about the “escalator-gate” incident and he reported Melania as saying: “You just continued…” before Trump replied: “It was unbelievable.”
While talking about the escalator malfunctioning as they were about to step onto it, Melania apparently then ordered him: “Just say it and leave it.” But clearly still frustrated, Trump replied: “How can you do that…”
However, offering a stern last command, Melania then said: “Donald, look at me.”
She was then seen shaking her head before they got off the helicopter and walked across the White House South Lawn hand in hand.