Body language expert sees 'seismic change' in Melania signaling 'more even power balance' with Trump
WASHINGTON, DC: As Donald Trump serves his second term as the 47th President of the United States, First Lady Melania Trump has largely maintained a low public profile. Yet, in the moments she does appear alongside the president, a noticeable shift in their relationship dynamic is on display.
Body language expert Judi Jones has weighed in, offering fresh insight into what these rare joint appearances reveal. According to Jones, the couple now presents a far more balanced partnership, both personally and politically, compared to Trump’s first term in office, as per Irish Star.
Body language expert highlights Melania’s transformation during Donald Trump’s second term
Body language expert Judi Jones has observed a striking transformation in the dynamic between President Donald Trump and First Lady Melania Trump during his second term.
In her analysis of their recent public appearances at official White House events, Jones notes that their interactions have grown noticeably more physical, emotionally intense, and even intimate, far more than in the past.
“There has been a seismic change in Donald and Melania's body language for this current term in the White House,” Jones explained. “In terms of time spent together, there seems to be a 'less is more' tendency that has given fuel to the speculation that their lives have gone down separate professional paths.”
Jones also pointed to Melania's current White House portrait, prominently displayed in the East Wing, as a symbol of her evolving role. Rather than adopting the traditional, supportive stance of a First Lady, Melania is depicted as a figure of authority, standing at the head of a conference table in sharp, CEO-style attire.
According to Jones, "Melania's official portrait for the White House seemed to set the tone for her enhanced profile. She chose to adopt a pose more suited to a powerful CEO than a traditional, supportive FLOTUS, standing at the head of a board table with a distinctly power-dressed styling."
Supporting this shift, Melania has thrown her weight behind several legislative efforts, most notably the 'Take It Down Act.' The bipartisan law, signed by President Trump on May 19, 2025, targets the growing threat of non-consensual explicit imagery, including AI-generated deepfakes and so-called "revenge porn."
Jones suggested that Melania’s public backing of the bill underscores her increased involvement in meaningful policy work and signals a more influential and assertive presence within the administration.
Judi Jones observes affectionate body language between Melania and Donald Trump
Judi Jones also points to early signs of Melania Trump's growing assertiveness in her book 'Melania', which was published before Donald Trump’s return to the presidency.
According to Jones, the book offered a glimpse of a more independent and self-assured Melania. She said, “She had been very firm about having 'My own yes's and my own no's', introducing a much more assertive version of Melania with her own views and opinions.”
There was speculation at the time that the couple might operate from separate spheres—Trump governing from the White House while Melania remained largely at Mar-a-Lago.
However, their public appearances during the second term have challenged that assumption, with Jones observing unexpected signs of warmth and emotional connection between the two. “Their actual appearances together revealed signals of affection and closeness that the world had never been shown previously,” she added.
Judi Jones describes the couple's public interactions as even ‘flirtatious’ at times
When Donald and Melania Trump do appear in public together, body language expert Judi Jones observes a noticeable effort to project affection. Reflecting on their appearance at the National Day of Prayer service, Jones described the couple as looking “totally in tune and even flirtatious.”
She noted moments of shared laughter, discreet whispers, and physical closeness that gave the impression of a genuinely connected and affectionate partnership. “They were tactile and they seemed to be enjoying each other's company,” Jones said.
She also highlighted a shift in the overall dynamic between the two, pointing out that their relationship now appears to reflect a greater sense of mutual understanding and equality, quite different from their first time in the White House.
“Their visual appearance seems much more in tune now, too. There is the look of a much more even power balance,” Jones explained. "Melania dressing 'corporate' more than 'film star'-chic. At one appearance she matched her husband in a black tuxedo suit and there is another when she has worn a shirt and tie in a much more masculine type of styling than usual."
According to Jones, this evolving style sends a clear message. “The overall message seems to be one of total agreement and negotiated signaling,” she said. “Melania will appear less but her appearances with her husband will involve some more intimate and affectionate, like-minded body language.”
