Melania Trump appeared 'beaming' with a 'new confidence' at the state dinner hosted for Xi Jinping, according to body language expert Dr Lillian Glass.
The First Lady stood by Donald Trump outside the White House as the couple welcomed the Chinese president and his wife Madam Peng.
Radiant smile noted
Dr Lillian Glass told the Daily Star: "There were many fascinating body-language signals during President Xi Jinping's state visit to the White House, but one of the most striking was First Lady Melania Trump.
"Look at that smile! We have rarely seen Melania smile this broadly in public, with her teeth fully showing and her entire face appearing animated. It is a radiant expression, and she looks genuinely engaged in the moment."
The expert noted that Melania's confidence "comes during a remarkable week for her".
New public role
Dr Glass said: "Just days ago at the United Nations, we saw another unusually bright smile when President Trump publicly acknowledged her work. She smiled and waved as he praised her efforts. Now, at the White House state dinner, we see that radiance again."
The expert, with over 30 years experience, noted how this differs from her usual demeanour. She said: "There appears to be a new confidence in Melania's public presentation.
"She has spent this week stepping forward with her own initiatives and responsibilities, and she personally led preparations for this state dinner. She is increasingly being seen not merely standing beside the President but undertaking highly visible work of her own."
Dr Glass also remarked on Melania's "bold" outfit choice, as she wore a "black-and-white ensemble", which has faced considerable criticism online.
Stronger public voice
She went on to say that Melania "is smiling broadly as she interacts with President Xi. She appears animated, engaged and comfortable."
Dr Glass believes Melania seems to be "beaming" because she has "found a stronger public voice".
The expert added: "Earlier this week at the U.N., I wrote that we were seeing a woman on a mission - a more serious Melania with greater vocal passion and determination as she promoted her work on the international stage.
"Now we are seeing another side of that woman. She is beaming.
"Perhaps the most interesting change is not simply that Melania is smiling more. It is that these smiles are appearing during a week in which she has assumed a particularly visible role of her own.
"She has found a stronger public voice. Her work is receiving international attention. And when her husband publicly recognized those efforts at the U.N., we saw that brilliant smile emerge. Now, beside him at the state dinner, we see it again."
Dr Glass said: "The serious, determined woman we saw pursuing her agenda at the United Nations is now standing on the White House red carpet positively radiant. This may be the happiest and most visibly confident Melania we have seen in quite some time."
