Donald Trump appeared to respond to Melania's latest 'kiss snub' with a "power gesture", according to a body language expert. The US President and First Lady appeared together at a White House ceremony on Monday (October 19) to sign an executive order aimed at improving women's health.
However, body language expert Darren Stanton spotted what he believes were signs of tension between the couple after Melania appeared to dodge her husband's attempt to kiss her.
Expert analysis of the exchange
Speaking on behalf of Covers, Mr Stanton said: "As Trump leans in for a kiss, puckering his lips, Melania turns her head to the left, offering him her cheek instead. It's a subtle but noticeable gesture that suggests she is avoiding a more affectionate exchange."
The expert claimed Trump appeared momentarily "dismayed" before attempting to regain control of the interaction. He explained: "After Melania turns away, he takes her hand and pats it in a gesture that could be interpreted as condescending or even mocking."
Pattern of public displays
Mr Stanton said the hand pat was something he had previously observed Trump doing with other politicians, but not with his wife. He added: "In this context, it comes across as a potential power gesture, almost as though he is trying to regain control of the interaction after she deflects his kiss."
The expert also pointed to Melania's subsequent "pronounced social smile", which he interpreted as an attempt to conceal any awkwardness in front of the cameras. He suggested the expression appeared more "performative than spontaneous", describing the First Lady as skilled at maintaining a composed public appearance.
A visible reaction
According to Mr Stanton, Melania has seemingly resisted her husband's public displays of affection on several previous occasions, including attempts to hold her hand. However, he claimed this latest exchange stood out because Trump appeared to visibly acknowledge the apparent rejection for the first time.
He said: "The difference is on previous occasions he's never reacted to any of Melania's little moments where she has snubbed him in public."
Mr Stanton added: "On this occasion, he did the condescending power gesture - the tap of the hand. We saw a facial expression change." He concluded that the gesture appeared to be Trump's way of "regaining power" following the exchange.
