Donald Trump peacocked his way into the pre-inauguration church service while his wife Melania made a small yet massive power move, according to a body language expert
Donald Trump and his wife Melania appeared puffed up in power stances as they arrived for the inauguration’s church service, an expert has said.
Speaking to Paddy Power, body language expert Judi James said the power couple made a show of their might in the lead up to Trump’s second round in the Oval Office. Now the MAGA man has officially been sworn in as the President of the United States.
She said: “Trump didn’t just show up; he arrived. Gone was the peacocking and showboating of old – this was alpha mode at full throttle. The chest? Inflated and splayed like a cockerel in a power pose. The spine? Upright enough to make a Buckingham Palace guard jealous. The expression? A lip-clamp and raised jaw combo that screamed, ‘I’m in charge. Again.”
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She added Donald Trump ’s body language was a “deliberate transformation”. Taking his cues from his epic “inspirational” campaign playlist, which featured Rocky and Braveheart tunes along with the Village People, the incumbent president looked “ready to outshine them all”.
“This wasn’t just Trump the showman – this was Trump the heavyweight,” she said. James went on to note that a gesture made between Donald and Melania inside the church also signified another shift. Melania, who has swatted away her husband’s hand in public several times, and rarely shows affection to him in public, took his hand.
This, James said, could indicate that the pair had come to an “agreement” of sorts.
James said: “Trump held Melania’s hand, but this time, it was Melania who made the first move, offering hers in a subtle ‘power play.’ Trump took it after a moment, suggesting an agreement between the two: her status and profile this time around were part of the show.
“Even their outfits were perfectly coordinated – sleek black overcoats, tailored and businesslike, with Melania’s white hat brim breaking the sombre tone. It was a power couple display, but made it fashion.”
She added: “As they leave the service, Donald and Melania amplify their clasped hands into a more pronounced display of unity. Trump lifts the clasp higher a few times, almost waving it as they walk towards their car, as though signalling both pride in his wife and a gentlemanly concern for her as they step off the curb.
“Trump’s expression is familiar – the slightly stern, almost baleful look that mirrors his official portrait. Melania, in contrast, seems determined to inject a touch of celebration into the occasion. Though her eyes are shielded by the brim of her hat, her wide, toothy smile creates an air of relaxed confidence.
“Trump continues his ‘putting his wife first’ performance as they reach the car, placing a guiding hand on her back. It’s a gesture that blends care and choreography, completing their polished departure.”