Body language expert says Trump and Melania looked like 'newlyweds' with PDA at 4th of July celebrations

WASHINGTON, DC: President Donald Trump and first lady Melania Trump surprised crowds and the Internet with an unusually affectionate display during Fourth of July celebrations at the White House.

Observers were left stunned as the couple embraced, danced, and exchanged kisses from the balcony, prompting speculation about a new chapter in their two-decade marriage.

The display marked a distinct change in tone from the typically reserved first couple, describing their gestures as “newlywed-like” and part of a possible shift in the Trump brand, body language expert Judi James told the Irish Star. 

Donald Trump kisses Melania on White House balcony in ‘newlywed-like’ Fourth of July moment

As the couple appeared on the White House balcony, Donald Trump pulled Melania Trump close, kissing her cheek and then her forehead, while the crowd below cheered enthusiastically. James described Melania’s smile as she looked down at the public and Trump's “more bashful grin” as resembling that of a couple freshly in love.

“Her smile down at the crowds and his more bashful grin makes them look almost like newlyweds here,” said James. “It’s a new part of the Trump brand and the reception it received suggests there might be more PDAs on the cards.”

James noted that Trump seemed to lean into the crowd's energy, gradually increasing his affection as the cheers intensified. 

Donald Trump and Melania channel royals with Fourth of July PDA

The expert further suggested that the Trumps’ gestures appeared to echo the dramatic romance often associated with royal public appearances.

“This looks like the body language icing on the cake for Trump who has managed to trigger a response of howling encouragement simply by suddenly looking sweetly besotted with his wife,” she said.

The president and first lady hugged closely, their torsos pressed together as Melania wrapped an arm around her husband's shoulder, while he held her by the waist.

James added, "Melania chats to him and he seems to take advantage of the proximity to plant a kiss on her cheek. Her reciprocal smile of approval and the coos from the fans prompt him to plant a second kiss too, before he points a finger at the fans in an act of mock admonishment."

As the celebrations continued, the couple shared a brief dance to Trump’s now-signature walk-off song, “YMCA,” with Melania mimicking her husband's signature dance moves, open palms and shoulder sways, drawing cheers from the audience.

James concluded that Melania's smiling responses and physical closeness indicated a surprising level of comfort with public affection compared to before.