Body language expert breaks down Trump's 'alpha mode' and Kamala Harris' 'rigid' pose at inauguration

WASHINGTON, DC: From strategic handshakes to subtle glances, President Donald Trump’s second inauguration could serve as a masterclass in nonverbal communication.

Body language expert Judi James weighed in on the moments everyone couldn’t stop talking about, decoding the cues from Trump’s “alpha mode” entrance to Jill Biden’s subtle snubs.

Trump’s 'alpha mode' arrival

When Donald Trump arrived at St John’s Church in Washington, DC, James described him as the embodiment of dominance.

“Alpha mode at full throttle,” she told Paddy Power. “The chest? Inflated and splayed like a cockerel in a power pose. The spine? Upright enough to make a Buckingham guard jealous. The expression? A lip-clamp and raised jaw combo that screamed, ‘I’m in charge. Again.’”

Even as he and Melania Trump took in the fireworks display later that evening, James noted that Trump’s demeanor radiated “serious business," the Daily Mail reported. 

Melania Trump's power play

Inside St John’s Church, Melania Trump made some of her own moves. According to James, there was a “subtle power play” in the way Melania offered her hand first during their ceremonial entrance.

“Trump held Melania’s hand, but this time, it was Melania who made the first move,” James said. “It suggested an agreement between the two: her status and profile this time around were part of the show. Even their outfits were perfectly coordinated. It was a power couple display, but made it fashion.”

The couple’s unity didn’t stop there. As they left the church, James observed Trump elevating their clasped hands.

"Trump lifts the clasp (their held hands) higher a few times, almost waving it as they walk towards their car, as though signaling both pride in his wife and a gentlemanly concern for her as they step off the curb. Trump continues his 'putting his wife first' performance as they reach the car, placing a guiding hand on her back," James explained. "It's a gesture that blends care and choreography, completing their polished departure."

Awkward tension between Biden and Jill

While the Trumps radiated unity, James pointed out noticeable tension between President Joe Biden and his wife Jill. The couple’s body language seemed off during the handover ceremony, with Jill creating a “noticeable social gap” between herself and others.

“When Joe extends his hand to Jill to lead her into the White House, she leans subtly back, her arms remaining firmly by her sides as if rejecting the gesture,” James offered. “Behind Joe’s back, her facial expression briefly drops, offering a fleeting glimpse of tension.”

James noted that Biden seemed eager to project cheerfulness, but his attempts to engage others fell flat.

"When his wife declines to hold his hand, he shifts his focus to Kamala," James observed. "But as he attempts to hold hers, she takes her husband's hand instead, leaving Joe to retreat and walk alongside Jill once more. It's a moment that seems to suggest he's searching for support, but no such reassurance appears to be forthcoming."

Kamala Harris’ unease

Outgoing Vice President Kamala Harris also displayed subtle signs of discomfort during the handover.

She “rolled her shoulders slightly, as though squaring up to the moment, while her hands fidgeted at her sides, clasping and unclasping,” James said.

Her husband Doug Emhoff, on the other hand, provided a stark contrast with his friendly demeanor as he leaned into handshakes and made light-hearted contact with others.

James noted that Emhoff’s warmth only served to highlight Harris’ “fixed, almost rigid smile.”

Trump’s grand return

Trump’s body language wasn’t his only powerful message. His inaugural address marked a defiant comeback after years of turbulence, including impeachments, criminal indictments, and even assassination attempts.

“From this moment on, America’s decline is over,” Trump declared, with Biden sitting just behind him.

He spoke of a “mandate to completely and totally reverse a horrible betrayal,” vowing to “give the people back their faith, their wealth, their democracy, and indeed their freedom.”

Dozens of executive orders were already lined up for Trump’s pen as he signaled an immediate rollback of Biden’s policies.

"Our sovereignty will be reclaimed. Our safety will be restored," Trump boldly proclaimed.

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