Body language expert decodes Barron Trump’s hand gestures as he enjoys spotlight at dad’s inauguration

According to body language expert Darren Stanton, Barron Trump's gesture was a subtle sign of someone who felt in a position of power or influence
UPDATED JAN 23, 2025
Barron Trump's hand gesture could reflect his awareness of the significant role he was playing at his father Donald Trump’s inauguration (Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images and BenStanton77/X)
Barron Trump's hand gesture could reflect his awareness of the significant role he was playing at his father Donald Trump’s inauguration (Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images and BenStanton77/X)

WASHINGTON, DC: Barron Trump’s hand gesture at his father Donald Trump’s inauguration on January 20 has sparked intrigue, with a body language expert offering insights into its potential meaning.

While Barron, 18, towering at 6 feet 7 inches, has grown into a young man, his actions during the event drew significant attention.



 

Body Language expert decodes Barron Trump's hand gesture at inauguration


WASHINGTON, DC - JANUARY 20: Barron Trump attends the inauguration of U.S. President-elect Donald Trump in the Rotunda of the U.S. Capitol on January 20, 2025 in Washington, DC. Donald Trump takes office for his second term as the 47th president of the United States. (Photo by Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images)
Barron Trump attends the inauguration of President Donald Trump in the Rotunda of the Capitol on January 20, 2025, in Washington, DC (Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images)

As the Trump family gathered at the inauguration, Barron made a notable gesture while seated, folding his hands together in a position akin to the “politician’s steeple,” a posture commonly associated with authoritative figures.

According to body language expert Darren Stanton, the gesture is a subtle sign of someone who feels in a position of power or influence at that moment.

Stanton told The Sun, that the "politician's steeple," which involves touching the fingertips of both hands together, is often adopted by individuals in positions of authority. It doesn't necessarily suggest superiority over others but rather conveys confidence and a momentary sense of control.

In Barron’s case, this gesture could reflect his awareness of the significant role he was playing within the high-profile setting of his father’s inauguration.

Stanton also notes that when this gesture is paired with a light tapping of the fingers, it suggests the person is carefully considering the situation or the conversation at hand, evaluating the information being presented. 

Tesla, SpaceX and X CEO Elon Musk gestures while speaking during an inauguration event at Capital One Arena on January 20, 2025 in Washington, DC. Donald Trump takes office for his second term as the 47th president of the United States. (Photo by Christopher Furlong/Getty Images)
Tesla, SpaceX, and X CEO Elon Musk gestures while speaking during an inauguration event at Capital One Arena on January 20, 2025, in Washington, DC (Christopher Furlong/Getty Images)

Elsewhere at the inauguration, tech mogul Elon Musk’s hand movements also caught the attention of observers. Musk performed a dramatic gesture by thumping his chest and raising his arm high into the air.

This gesture, which he repeated in front of both the audience and a US flag, carries historical significance. It is often seen as a symbol of strength, unity, or victory, further highlighting the unique body language seen throughout the event.

Barron Trump steals the show at inaugural parade



 

While the spotlight of the inaugural parade was firmly on President Donald Trump, it was his youngest son, Barron, who stole the show with his "rock star" response to his father’s public shout-out.

Speaking to a crowd of 40,000 supporters at the Capital One Arena on Monday, January 20, President Trump, 78, took a moment to acknowledge the contributions of his 18-year-old son to his 2024 presidential election win.

The president credited Barron with helping him connect with younger voters, particularly through appearances on popular podcasts like 'The Joe Rogan Experience' and 'This Past Weekend' with Theo Von.

“Then I have a very tall son named Barron. Has anyone ever heard of him?” Trump joked, drawing loud cheers from the audience. He continued, “He knew the youth vote… And he was saying, ‘Dad, you got to go out and do this (podcast) or that one.’”

The president praised Barron’s insights, saying, “He understood the market,” as the crowd roared in approval for the NYU freshman.


WASHINGTON, DC - JANUARY 20: U.S. President Donald Trump shakes hands with his son Barron Trump as Vice President JD Vance looks on during his inauguration in the U.S. Capitol Rotunda on January 20, 2025 in Washington, DC. Donald Trump takes office for his second term as the 47th President of the United States. (Photo by Kenny Holston-Pool/Getty Images)
President Donald Trump shakes hands with his son Barron Trump as Vice President JD Vance looks on during his inauguration in the Capitol Rotunda on January 20, 2025, in Washington, DC (Kenny Holston-Pool/Getty Images)

However, it was Barron’s reaction that captivated social media. Breaking from his usual reserved demeanor, the 18-year-old embraced the applause with a thumbs up, a wave, and even a playful gesture of cupping his ear to ask for more cheers.

The moment, described by many as “iconic,” showcased a side of Barron rarely seen in public.

Elon Musk’s enthusiastic reaction to Donald Trump’s Mars plan steals spotlight from Barron Trump



 

During Donald Trump’s inaugural speech, two very different reactions from the crowd captured the internet’s attention. Cameras panned to Elon Musk and Barron Trump, standing side by side, as the newly sworn-in president declared America’s ambitious goal of planting the Stars and Stripes on Mars.

As Trump vowed, “We will pursue our manifest destiny into the stars, launching American astronauts to plant the Stars and Stripes on the planet Mars,” Musk was seen giving an energetic thumbs up, smiling broadly, and applauding enthusiastically.

His reaction was a stark contrast to Barron Trump’s, who appeared unfazed and expressionless, not so much as cracking a smile during the moment.

Tesla, SpaceX and X CEO Elon Musk arrives to speak during an inauguration event at Capital One Arena on January 20, 2025 in Washington, DC. Donald Trump takes office for his second term as the 47th president of the United States. (Photo by Christopher Furlong/Getty Images)
Tesla, SpaceX, and X CEO Elon Musk arrives to speak during an inauguration event at Capital One Arena on January 20, 2025, in Washington, DC (Christopher Furlong/Getty Images)

Musk’s excitement wasn’t surprising given his well-documented passion for space exploration.

The SpaceX CEO has long championed the idea of human colonization of Mars and has frequently expressed his desire to see humanity reach the Red Planet within his lifetime.

His visible support for Trump’s statement made perfect sense, even as experts continue to debate the feasibility and safety of human settlement on Mars.

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