There had been discussions for years about whether Melania would return as a second-term first lady. Initially, when the Trumps left the White House the first time, it was reported that she didn’t want to return. But with Trump starting his second presidential election campaign, Melania publicly supported him, saying she’d like to go back to 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue. Still, when he announced his win in November, she didn’t seem thrilled.
Body language expert Darren Stanton commented on the election night moment. He said that when Trump gestured for Melania to come over for a hug, she reluctantly came forward. “It’s very disjointed and awkward, and there’s no emotion from her. We don’t see any genuine smiles from Melania; it feels like a smile she has adopted for the occasion,” Stanton told the Mirror. He added that there wasn’t the expected level of emotion considering her husband had just been elected president, and it all seemed contrived, with her reluctant to show any real happiness or joy.