Body language expert analyzes Elon Musk's subtle 'status upgrade' at Donald Trump’s Cabinet meeting

WASHINGTON, DC: Elon Musk, the world’s richest man as of March 2025, made a powerful statement at a recent Cabinet meeting held by President Donald Trump in a way only he could—without uttering a word.

According to body language expert Judi James, Musk used his presence and demeanor to “intimidate” Trump, signaling his dominance in the room.

Body language expert decodes Elon Musk's ‘status upgrade’ at Donald Trump’s cabinet table 

Despite holding no official role within the administration, Elon Musk took a seat at the Cabinet table alongside key figures, rather than standing on the sidelines as he had during the previous meetings.

His actions did not go unnoticed. James noted that Musk’s positioning showed a clear “status upgrade.”

“The first time he was relegated to standing at the side of the room to pitch like a salesman to the cabinet who sat as one exiling group around the table," James explained to the Mirror.

"This time he has a seat, and he is presenting as territorially powerful by placing his elbows onto the table,” she further said.

Adding to the visual spectacle, Musk donned a red cap in the style of Trump's signature "Make America Great Again" hats, emblazoned with the phrase: “Trump was right about everything.”

This bold accessory, coupled with his composed body language, reinforced the idea that he was not merely an attendee but a power player. 

Donald Trump’s public praise for Elon Musk

Throughout the Cabinet meeting, Elon Musk received glowing praise from President Donald Trump, who acknowledged the tech billionaire's influence and contributions.

“Elon, I want to thank you,” Trump said, before adding, “I know you’ve been a lot with this horrible situation that happened. Very unfair. What he is is a patriot... He’s become a friend of mine.”

Trump’s comments followed a series of vandalism and protests at Tesla dealerships across the globe.

Despite this praise, Musk’s demeanor suggested that he was operating on a different level—one of quiet control rather than deference.

James analyzed Musk’s posture and gestures, pointing out that his calm and poised stance exuded quiet authority.

“The hat brings a more lightweight, casual, and even comic presence, but his body language oozes serenity and calm power here,” she said.

She further detailed Musk’s use of the "steeple" hand gesture, where the fingertips touch while the wrists and fingers splay outward, a classic move signifying confidence, control, and precision thinking.

“These poses could be intimidating and would normally define who was the boss around the boardroom table,” James added.

Reportedly, Musk’s presence at the Cabinet meeting was not just symbolic.

He had effectively bankrolled a major portion of Trump’s bid for the White House and was rewarded with the creation of a non-government department focused on eliminating what he termed "government waste."

On the campaign trail, Musk had pledged to cut approximately $2 trillion in inefficiencies, an amount equivalent to the total estimated cost of the US war in Iraq, including direct spending and veteran care.