Body language expert says Trump was ‘all submissive’ toward Melania during celebration of military moms

Body language expert Judi James said Trump was 'all submissive attendance' to his wife Melania during the White House event
UPDATED MAY 12, 2025
President Donald Trump and first lady Melania Trump during an event to celebrate Military Mothers in the East Room of the White House on May 8, 2025 in Washington, DC (Getty Images)
President Donald Trump and first lady Melania Trump during an event to celebrate Military Mothers in the East Room of the White House on May 8, 2025 in Washington, DC (Getty Images)

WASHINGTON, DC: A body language expert has commented on the equation between Donald Trump and his wife Melania after they appeared together for the White House's Celebration of military mothers event on Thursday afternoon, May 8.

Judi James told the Irish Star that the president appeared “all submissive” towards the first lady during the event.

U.S. President Donald Trump kisses first lady Melania Trump during an event to celebrate Military Mothers in the East Room of the White House on May 08, 2025 in Washington, DC. Mrs. Trump, who has maintained a lower profile during President Trump’s second administration, will later host a postal stamp unveiling for former first lady Barbara Bush. (Photo by Anna Moneymaker/Getty Images)
President Donald Trump kisses first lady Melania Trump during an event to celebrate Military Mothers in the East Room of the White House on May 08, 2025 in Washington, DC (Anna Moneymaker/Getty Images)

Judi James says Trump appeared like a man ‘smitten’ with his wife

She explained, “Trump is all submissive attendance to his wife here, lingering beside the lectern to remove his own notes before backing off with what almost looks like a bow before standing beside her, listening subtly, reacting to her every word.”

“Trump is in the mode of a man who is smitten, chivalrous and even in awe here. His introduction ends with him calling her 'honey' as he invites her onto the stage, extending his hand to take hers before performing a reward kiss on her cheek,” she noted.

First lady Melania Trump speaks during the unveiling of a US Postal Service stamp honoring former first lady Barbara Bush in the East Room at the White House on May 8, 2025, in Washington, DC (Kayla Bartkowski/Getty Images)
First lady Melania Trump speaks during the unveiling of a US Postal Service stamp honoring former first lady Barbara Bush in the East Room at the White House on May 8, 2025, in Washington, DC (Kayla Bartkowski/Getty Images)

The Thursday event was held to recognize mothers in the military, with Melania speaking about self care and how a child’s birth is a “life-changing event that makes women invincible and exposed at the same time.”

Melania Trump talks about her experience as a mother

WASHINGTON, DC - MAY 08: U.S. President Donald Trump and first lady Melania Trump attend an event to celebrate Military Mothers in the East Room of the White House on May 08, 2025 in Washington, DC. Mrs. Trump, who has maintained a lower profile during President Trump’s second administration, will later host a postal stamp unveiling for former first lady Barbara Bush. (Photo by Anna Moneymaker/Getty Images)
President Donald Trump and first lady Melania Trump attend an event to celebrate Military Mothers in the East Room of the White House on May 8, 2025 in Washington, DC (Anna Moneymaker/Getty Images)

The mother-of-one said, “It's remarkable, really, that my son's life creates unimaginable, unpredictable concerns and trials for me, even until this day. All caring mothers understand this rare feeling — nothing against fathers — but in my opinion, and I’m sure everyone in this room agrees, only a mother can grasp this particular point.”

She further urged the attendees “to prioritize your well-being.”

“Nurture yourself, for your strength is the bedrock of a brighter future for our children. By caring for ourselves, we empower the next generation to thrive together,” she added.

WASHINGTON, DC - MAY 08: First lady Melania Trump speaks during an event to celebrate Military Mothers in the East Room of the White House on May 08, 2025 in Washington, DC. Mrs. Trump, who has maintained a lower profile during President Trump’s second administration, will later host a postal stamp unveiling for former first lady Barbara Bush. (Photo by Anna Moneymaker/Getty Images)
First lady Melania Trump speaks during an event to celebrate Military Mothers in the East Room of the White House on May 8, 2025 in Washington, DC (Anna Moneymaker/Getty Images)

Trump complimented Melania as 'one of the best moms that i know'

Trump also spoke during the event and hailed Melania for raising their son Barron.

“I especially want to thank one of the best moms that I know, that I've ever seen. Sometimes, she's almost too good,” the 78-year-old shared.

U.S. President Donald Trump and first lady Melania Trump during an event to celebrate Military Mothers in the East Room of the White House on May 08, 2025 in Washington, DC. Mrs. Trump, who has maintained a lower profile during President Trump’s second administration, will later host a postal stamp unveiling for former first lady Barbara Bush. (Photo by Anna Moneymaker/Getty Images)
President Donald Trump and first lady Melania Trump during an event to celebrate Military Mothers in the East Room of the White House on May 08, 2025 in Washington, DC (Anna Moneymaker/Getty Images)

He further asserted, “She is so good with Barron. He’s grown up strong and nice, and he’s a good boy,” before directly addressing the former model as he stated, “You’ve done a great job.”

Trump behaved like Melania’s ‘fan’, says body language expert Judi James



 

Meanwhile, James also shared her views on Melania’s presence.

She said, “This is Melania at her most assured, confident and even powerful, talking on a subject that is exclusively hers rather than her husband's.”

“Her black leather skirt and the wide shoulders of her white jacket suggest power dressing, but the way she wears the jacket as a cape is on another level of status, as it means a lack of hand or arm movement but a very still and upright posture as she makes her speech,” the expert described.

Continuing further, James remarked, “Melania starts strong with a confident 'welcome' and a gracious smile. Trump pats her on the back in a supportive ritual, and when she thanks him, he is reduced to a chuckle and a wink, like a fan.”

James also praised her “well-written” speech and added, “When it is over, Trump is on hand again to offer his hand to help her off the stage, clearly happy to take a back seat for once for this woman whose confidence and whose signals of power seem to grow by the day during this term in office.”

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