'She is Uninvolved': Body Language Expert Spots ‘Closed-Off’ Behavior in Melania Trump’s Latest Public Appearance

A few days after addressing past claims related to Jeffrey Epstein, Melania Trump made a public appearance along with her husband, President Donald Trump. However, a body language expert analyzed her facial expressions and demeanor at the occasion.

The first lady seemed “closed-off and guarded” according to the expert, as she along with Trump welcomed Dutch royals, King Willem-Alexander and Queen Máxima to the White House on Monday, April 13, 2026 for a dinner and an overnight stay.

In the pictures and videos that have been going viral on social media from the event, the two couples could be seen greeting each other and posing for some pictures before entering the White House.

According to the Irish Star, body language expert Chris Pardoe paid close attention to her behavior during the pleasantries, who had chosen to wear a floral-applique sleeveless dress by ERDEM along with black heels from Christian Louboutin for the occasion.

Talking to the publication, Pardoe said, “Throughout the interaction, Melania positions herself slightly behind or to the side of President Trump.” He added, “While she participates in the initial formal greetings with the royal couple, she quickly transitions into a passive observer role during the extended conversations on the steps. She remains largely silent and uninvolved in the dialogue."

The expert also observed that the physical distance between Melania Trump and her husband was an important “non-verbal indicator.” He said, “Her upright, rigid posture with arms kept close to her sides projects a closed-off, guarded presence. She appears to be present out of protocol rather than genuine interest or engagement."

He also spoke about the half-hearted and on-and-off smile given by the FLOTUS during the occasion. Pardoe said, “The most revealing aspect of Melania’s body language is her facial expression pattern. Her smiles operate on a distinct mechanical switch: Activation Smiles appear during specific social triggers such as handshakes, direct address, or photo opportunities.”

On the other hand, he observed that the former model was switching off from her smile after she fulfilled her social requirement, exuding a rather cold and stoic demeanor.

Elaborating on the same, the expert stated, “Deactivation: The smile disappears instantly once the social requirement is fulfilled, replaced by a neutral, serious, or stoic resting expression. This rapid on-and-off pattern is characteristic of a forced or obligatory expression rather than a genuine emotional response."

The body language expert hinted that the first lady was not exuding a genuine and a truly enthusiastic smile. He added, “In body language analysis, we look for the 'Duchenne marker' which is the involuntary crinkling around the eyes that accompanies a genuine, spontaneous smile. This marker is absent in Melania’s expressions during this segment."

Explaining what was lacking in her smile and behavior, Chris Pardoe said, “These smiles lack the natural eye engagement that indicates true warmth or amusement. Instead, they appear to be purely facial muscle movements deployed for social protocol and photo requirements. The speed at which the smile drops is a classic indicator of a fabricated expression. Genuine emotions linger while forced ones disappear the moment they are no longer required."