Body language expert decodes Elon Musk's 'gallant response' to Giorgia Meloni as WH video goes viral

WASHINGTON, DC: Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni met with President Donald Trump in a high-profile visit on Thursday, April 17, but it was her unexpected moment with tech mogul and White House advisor Elon Musk that stole the spotlight — and the Internet's attention.

After a round of formal meetings, Meloni bumped into Musk and shared a warm kiss on both cheeks. 

Expert breaks down Elon Musk's stance during viral encounter with Giorgia Meloni

According to body language expert Judi James, the Tesla CEO seemed visibly affected by the exchange.

"Meloni's charm offensive seems to have worked on Musk, judging from his rather old-school gallant response followed by a 'pleasing' evaluation gesture that could have come from the stage directions of a Shakespeare play," James told the Irish Star.

After the double-cheek kiss, Musk appeared to pause, lightly bowed, and then struck what the expert described as an "evaluation gesture" — one hand across his body, the other at his chin."

"The creasing of his face into a rather bashful smile suggests he is impressed with what he sees," James added.

The moment was captured on video and later posted by Meloni herself on X (formerly Twitter), where she wrote, “Happy to see my friend back in Washington.”

Giorgia Meloni and Elon Musk's previous interactions

Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni and Elon Musk have developed more than just a casual rapport over the past two years. Their paths have crossed with increasing frequency, sparking both political intrigue and viral gossip.

Since Meloni's right-wing government took office in 2022, she's leaned into tech and aerospace partnerships, often with Musk front and center. In mid-2023, Italy approved a framework allowing foreign space companies to operate domestically.

The plan could pump over $7.7 billion (€7.3 billion) into Italy’s economy by 2026. SpaceX, Musk’s private aerospace firm, is widely expected to play a role.

Their public appearances — some formal, some flirtatious — have raised eyebrows. 

The dating rumors between the two first caught fire after a photo of them locked in intense eye contact at a black-tie event in New York made the rounds online last year.

At the event, Musk had presented the Italian prime minister with the Atlantic Council’s Global Citizen Award. Afterward, he spoke highly of her, saying she was “even more beautiful inside than the outside.”

Musk shot the rumors down quickly, saying, "I was there with my mom," but the Internet didn’t forget.

Elon Musk and Giorgia Meloni spark romance rumors as video of White House interaction goes viral

A lighthearted moment between tech mogul Elon Musk and Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni has the internet buzzing, after the two were caught sharing what some called a flirtatious exchange, complete with a cheek kiss and mutual laughter. Social media users wasted no time weighing in:

One said, "His face in the end," referring to Musk’s visible blush and sheepish grin, and another remarked, "You can see the attraction between Elon and Meloni."

Others were more direct, with a person writing, "Love is in the air." "I love this kind of open, unapologetic appreciation shown right under the sun. Totally admire you," someone else expressed. 

An admirer wrote, "I love seeing the two of you together. You can see the genuine fondness. May your friendship continue to blossom for the good of Western Civilization," whereas one more added, "Their interaction, however brief, makes my romantic heart race...that's why I contend that something is there." 

Another person said, "She’s looking awfully adoringly into Musk’s eyes. She really does have much love for Elon. The chemistry is whew! Mamma Mia! lol." 

This article contains remarks made on the Internet by individual people and organizations. MEAWW cannot confirm them independently and does not support claims or opinions being made online.