'Neither of Them Is Happy': Expert Decodes Melania Trump's Body Language Around Donald Trump

“Reserved,” “stoic,” “distant”: these are a few descriptors observers on social media have often used when talking about First Lady Melania Trump's body language, especially around President Donald Trump.

Melania and Trump met in the late nineties, and after dating on and off for a few years, the couple tied the knot in 2005. Despite being married for over two decades and being together for even more years, many critics argue that Melania's disposition around Trump is not one of ease, comfort and familiarity.

Instead, many have opined that she appears to be "on edge" around the president, with many wondering what could be the possible reason behind this perceived distance.

A body language expert weighed in on the subject. Here's what she said are the hidden meanings behind Melania's body language around Trump.

Melania and Trump have been seen holding hands on several public occasions. While on first glance, it might look like a sign of close bonding between the spouses, body language expert Patti Wood suggests otherwise.

Wood told Business Insider that the way the first couple holds hands is not how romantic partners usually do the same.

The List mentions a photo from the 2019 White House Easter Egg Roll as an example of this instance. According to the media outlet, a picture of Trump and Melania from the event shows them walking together as the president attempts to hold the first lady's hand.

"He's reaching out, but reaching out and down," Wood said, noting that Trump appears to push down Melania's hand rather than embracing it.

"He often pushes her hand down when they hold hands, and he's lifting up the tips of her fingers to meet his. I don't know what the context is, but neither of them is happy," the expert stated.

People have often speculated that during their public appearances or photos together, Melania mostly looks like she is on guard when standing beside Trump. Over the years, this alleged underlying tension in their relationship has become the subject of several online conversations.

According to The List, in a 2011 picture, Trump and Melania were seen at the Wollman Rink walking together. But, reportedly, neither of them was seen leaning into the other, while their faces had stoic expressions.

"It appears the two want to give the impression of a close relationship, but their body language reveals hollowness and disconnection," the outlet mentioned.

During Trump's first presidential inauguration, Melania flashed a big smile at her husband. But as soon as he turned his head, her smile vanished in an instant, and a frown took its place.

The moment gained widespread attention online, with many turning it into a GIF for memes.

It is, however, important to note that there could be a myriad of reasons for Melania's sudden change of expression. She might have been distracted, or maybe she was just tired after being in front of the cameras for such a long time.

But, according to Harper's Bazaar, Wood analyzed the moment in a conversation with Cosmopolitan.

"What created her facial expression is that she was expecting a moment, because he looked back, but he didn't connect with her," Wood said. According to the body language expert, Melania's resulting frown is "sadness mixed with a little bit of anger that she didn't get it [connection with Donald]."

What do you think about Melania's body language around Trump? Let us know in the comments below.