Body language expert explains how Melania Trump banks on son Barron to fill role her husband Donald can't

According to a body language expert, Judi James, Barron Trump seems to have adopted the role of his mother Melania Trump’s 'wingman'
PUBLISHED MAR 30, 2025
With Donald Trump often occupied with and engaged in global politics, it makes sense that Melania Trump would turn to her son Barron for support, the expert said (Saul Loeb - Pool/Getty Images)
With Donald Trump often occupied with and engaged in global politics, it makes sense that Melania Trump would turn to her son Barron for support, the expert said (Saul Loeb - Pool/Getty Images)

WASHINGTON, DC: Melania Trump and her son Barron are slowly but steadily stepping back into the public eye—and according to body language expert Judi James, the first lady is "proud as ever" of her only child.

As President Donald Trump settles into his second term, all eyes are on Melania and Barron. For years, Barron was the quiet, reserved kid who stayed largely out of the political fray. But according to James, those days are over. 

Barron Trump and Melania Trump arrive for the inauguration of U.S. President 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 Ricky Carioti - Pool/Getty Images)
Barron Trump and Melania Trump arrive for the inauguration of President Donald Trump in the Rotunda of the Capitol on January 20, 2025, in Washington, DC (Ricky Carioti - Pool/Getty Images)

"It’s fascinating to see that now Barron has ‘unfurled’ or grown into his own tall frame and learnt to project confidence and even to begin to showboat a little in the spotlight like his father," she told The Irish Star.


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)

Barron Trump is the ultimate 'wingman' for mom Melania Trump

At 19, Barron Trump has officially shed his boyhood persona. Once just a child in the background of his father Donald’s first White House stint, he is now a young man who seems to be stepping up in ways no one quite expected.

James observes that Barron isn’t just growing up—he’s also taking on a new role in public life. "He seems to have adopted the body language role of his mother’s ‘wingman,’ creating a watchful and more sociable presence at public events," she noted.

And with Donald Trump often occupied with and engaged in global politics, it makes sense that Melania would turn to her son for support. "Melania appears as proud as ever with her son, who is the companion in public that Trump himself can’t always be when he is center stage," James explained.

WEST PALM BEACH, FLORIDA - NOVEMBER 06: Former first lady Melania Trump and Barron Trump look on as Republican presidential nominee, former U.S. President Donald Trump speaks during an election night event at the Palm Beach Convention Center on November 06, 2024 in West Palm Beach, Florida. Americans cast their ballots today in the presidential race between Republican nominee former President Donald Trump and Vice President Kamala Harris, as well as multiple state elections that will determine the balance of power in Congress. (Photo by Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images)
First lady Melania Trump and Barron Trump look on as President Donald Trump speaks during an election night event at the Palm Beach Convention Center on November 6, 2024, in West Palm Beach, Florida (Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images)

In fact, the mother-son duo is becoming something of a polished, well-synchronized team.

"Melania and Barron are beginning to look like a well-choreographed double act, with increasing signs of natural symmetry, especially as Barron seems to have inherited his mother's elegance and possibly some of her visual charm," she added.

Melania Trump’s next big move

Despite resurfacing in public with son Barron, Melania Trump has kept a notably low profile since her husband Donald's second inauguration. Some have even speculated about her prolonged absences, but she’s finally revealing what she’s been up to.

PALM BEACH, FLORIDA - DECEMBER 31: Melania Trump, wife of U.S. President-elect Donald Trump arrives on New Year's Eve at the Mar-A-Lago Club on December 31, 2024 in Palm Beach, Florida. The president-elect continues to fill posts in his upcoming administration ahead of his January 20 inauguration. (Photo by Eva Marie Uzcategui/Getty Images)
Melania Trump and President Donald Trump arrive on New Year's Eve at the Mar-A-Lago Club on December 31, 2024, in Palm Beach, Florida (Eva Marie Uzcategui/Getty Images)

The first lady told 'Fox & Friends' this week that she’s been working on a special project—an Amazon-backed documentary about her life. "We started the production in November, and we are shooting right now, so it’s a day-to-day life, what I’m doing, what kind of responsibilities I have," she said.

"It’s day-to-day, from transition team to moving to the White House, packing, establishing my team, the first lady office, moving into the White House, what it takes to make the residence your home, to hire the people that you need," she elaborated.

According to Melania, it all started with the massive success of her memoir. "The book was such a success, and I’m very proud, and I get so many messages and letters [from readers] how they enjoy the book, and they would love, my fans and people, would love to hear more from me," she continued.

"So I had an idea to make a movie, to make a film about my life. My life is incredible. It’s incredibly busy. And I told my agent, you know, I have this idea. So please, you know, go out and make a deal for me," Melania explained.



 

For those still wondering why Melania isn’t a permanent fixture in Washington, she made it clear that she’ll be at the White House when necessary, but she also has other priorities.

"You know, when I need to be in New York, I will be in New York. When I need to be in Palm Beach, I will be in Palm Beach," she declared.

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