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By Carine Harb
Associate Editor, My Turn
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Donald Trump was sworn in as the 47th President of the United States on January 20, 2025, marking his return to the White House after a four-year absence following his initial term from 2017 to 2021.
In his inaugural address, President Trump proclaimed, "The golden age of America begins right now," emphasizing his commitment to prioritize the nation, adding: "During every single day of the Trump administration, I will, very simply, put America first."
But an unexpected moment during the ceremony drew significant attention: when President Trump leaned in to kiss First Lady Melania Trump on the cheek, her wide-brimmed hat unintentionally got in the way, leading to an air kiss instead.
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The body language of First Lady Melania Trump at the inauguration has sparked significant curiosity.
To delve deeper, we consulted a behavioral scientist and body language experts to provide insights into the relationship dynamics between Donald and Melania Trump during the ceremony, and to interpret any unspoken cues exchanged between the couple.
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From Blanca Cobb: President Trump and First Lady Melania Are Strong and Connected
When they arrived at the White House, Trump and Melania walked up the steps together to greet the Bidens, moving in step with one another. Their synchronized strides conveyed more than just physical coordination—it was a subtle but powerful display of emotional alignment and unity as a couple. Their entrance sent a clear message to the world, presenting them as a cohesive team and reinforcing their image as a strong, connected partnership.
However, their kiss didn't make its mark. Trump reached for Melania's hand and held it as he leaned in to kiss her. However, her wide-brimmed hat made a direct kiss on the cheek difficult.
To land the kiss on her cheek, Trump would have had to either crane his neck or move her hat. Instead, he gave her an air kiss, and Melania leaned in to meet him, suggesting that this interaction was more about logistical challenges than any deeper significance, but their hand-holding added a sense of connection.
Blanca Cobb is a body language expert.
From Mark Bowden: Melania's Hat Is a Metaphor For Her Role in The White House
Donald Trump faced an unexpected challenge in sharing a ceremonial kiss with Melania, as her wide-brimmed hat acted as a barrier. The hat created both a physical and visual sense of distance, shielding her not only from Trump but also from the audience. It was clear this moment hadn't been rehearsed; otherwise, Melania might have opted for a different accessory.
The hat may also serve as a metaphor for Melania's role in the White House. During Trump's first presidency, she maintained a relatively low profile, often retreating into the background alongside their son, Barron. This headwear might be seen as a visual continuation of that approach, suggesting she plans to stay equally reserved in her public appearances this time around.
The imagery of Trump clumsily bumping into the hat, unable to connect with her, subtly reflects a degree of detachment. Whether intentional or not, the hat sends a message of separation—between Melania and Trump, between her and the public, and perhaps even between her and the traditional role of a First Lady.
The hat acted as a physical and visual barrier, not only between Melania and her husband but also between her and the public. With her eyes shaded and her face partially obscured, it was difficult for the audience to connect with her. The symbolism is striking: Melania has often maintained a degree of distance, both physically and emotionally, from the public spotlight during her time as First Lady.
Trump managed to navigate the obstacle posed by Melania's hat, leaning in to kiss her on the lower cheek and neck—a small but triumphant moment for the couple amid the ceremony's formality.
Mark Bowden is a body language expert and author.
From Patti Wood: Melania Was Uncomfortable After Trump's Inappropriate Remarks
During his inauguration speech Trump, referencing Melania, says, "I shouldn't say this. I am going to get hell for saying this, but her feet are absolutely killing her, you know, those heels."
In Rhetorical Analysis, this is a "Put Down" statement to his wife and could be interpreted as a way to criticize her publicly by telling the world she is an angry wife.
Melania was sitting with her legs crossed and her hands folded over one another in her lap with a somber expression, and when he says this, she gives a tight smile. But then he keeps going. This whole portion of the speech is content you might say at a dinner party with long-time friends, but seems odd at a Presidential inauguration.
These put-down statements towards Melania are something Trump is known for, a Maro Logo, and he has done it in some of his election speeches, but it seems particularly inappropriate. In this situation, you would expect a husband to thank his wife for her support and perhaps a statement of love or affection. Note: as Trump said this, Vance throws his head and laughs, speaker Johnson looks down and away and gives a bit of forced smile, and Melanie gives a closed-mouth smile.
Patti Wood, MA, Certified Speaking Professional, Body Language Expert.
From Susan Constantine: Body Language Suggests Positive Shift In Trump and Melania's Relationship
Trump and Melania were united as they walked side-by-side. Melania's baseline demeanor has always been reserved and guarded, rarely smiling or interacting; it appeared that she was just going through the motions in the past.
There appears to be a shift in their relationship and as a couple this time. She appeared to support her husband, standing by him. She interacted with the crowd with one hand raised with acknowledgment and grace. Melania also flashed a smile and even beamed at times as she walked alongside him as they paraded through the crowd.
The air kiss and Trump's schoolboy grin show a glimpse of the sparks still there. This time around, all signals point to they are united, in love, and solid in their marriage. When Melania threw up her arms when Trump made a reference to her feet hurting, her hat almost flew off. Melania made light of the comment as if saying, "What can I say?" in a lighthearted way. He was showing compassion.
Susan Constantine is a body language expert.
From Dr. Abbie Maroño: Melania's Demeanor Indicates Discomfort With Public Attention
First Lady Melania Trump's choice of a wide-brimmed hat appeared to serve as a barrier, complicating a moment when President Trump attempted to kiss her, resulting in an awkward air kiss. This may have been a possible means to conceal her face, indicating discomfort with the public attention. The lack of eye contact, smiles, or hand-holding between the couple, suggesting discomfort.
At the inaugural ball, President Trump and Melania participated in the traditional first dance. Initially, both appeared tense, but the atmosphere lightened when Vice President JD Vance and his wife, Usha, along with military members, joined them on stage. This shift led to more relaxed interactions, with President Trump engaging warmly Melania smiling during the dance.
Abbie Maroño is a Behavioral Scientist.
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