Another body language expert, Inbaal Honigman, noted that Melania’s body language during the 2025 inauguration was still and neutral. “She sits still in her model pose, her facial expression neutral, not drawing any attention to herself, letting all attention be on her husband,” Honigman told Covers.com. Compared to 2017 when she was more expressive with smiles and waves to the crowds, this time she appeared more reserved, perhaps protecting herself from criticism by hiding her expression behind her wide-brimmed hat.
Behavioral scientist Abbie Maroño claimed that Melania’s actions on Inauguration Day indicated discomfort with public attention. For example, during the traditional first dance at the Inaugural Ball, Maroño said that initially, both appeared tense. When others joined them on stage, the atmosphere lightened, but there were still moments. Renowned body language expert Mark Bowden also noticed an awkward moment during the dance. “He and Melania take a traditional ballroom hold, but the moment quickly becomes awkward. As Melania’s head springs back—likely an effort to flick her hair away from her face—it risks appearing as a sudden, terrible moment of revulsion,” Bowden told the Irish Star.