Donald Trump and Melania Trump have no doubt had their share of unforgettable experiences during his second term in office. Body language experts and lip readers have been able to decode pieces of conversation between the two, especially during their public appearances, during these major moments. 

It appears to be getting harder for Melania to conceal what many perceive as her disgust with her husband. Political analysts and experts have shared the key signs that the first couple is falling apart. 

The 55-year-old has been notably absent for much of the president’s second term. And even though she has been more in the public eye in the past few months, Melania has also been seen physically distancing herself from Donald Trump. 

The National Christmas Tree lighting ceremony this year had a dark undertone, thanks to the horrifying expressions from Mrs. Trump. The December 4 event was, naturally, broadcast live on Fox News, but it wasn’t Donald’s rambling speech that proved to be the most riveting moment of the broadcast. It was Melania’s barely hidden reaction to it.

As Trump teased attendees about the musical guests, Melania nodded along. Yet, the camera captured a split-second moment where her expressions changed dramatically. It shifted into a look of apparent discomfort and genuine shock. 

Body language expert Judi James stated that the speed at which her expression change was the most telling factor. She told International Business Times, “Melania’s face went from a signal of passive agreement to a micro-expression of pure, unadulterated distress in the space of a single heartbeat.”

James added, “This is a classic ‘mask’ drop—a sudden, uninhibited display of inner thoughts that the individual has failed to suppress in time. The immediate change suggests a high level of underlying frustration that bubbled over in response to a prompt she couldn’t control.”

Another awkward moment occurred during a White House ceremony in November. The event was intended to highlight a new foster care initiative. However, it was quickly overshadowed by a a brief, awkward moment between the two. 

Footage from the event showed the pair attempting a kiss, but their timing was mismatched. As the president leaned in, the First Lady leaned the other way.

Netizens have lost count of the many times Melania has been captured on film avoiding any signs of PDA from her 79-year-old husband. It includes swatting away his arm as he tries to hold her hand. It all started with Melania dodging her husband’s attempts at affection during their 2017 visit to Israel. 

This October, social media had a déjà vu moment during the White Halloween festivities. Melania appeared to be openly ignoring Donald’s hand-holding attempt.

The couple was again caught on camera as Marine One landed on the South Lawn of the White House back in September. The clip, which quickly went viral, captured Donald animatedly talking to his wife. At one point, he appeared to wag his finger while Melania shook her head in response. 

Leading forensic lip reader Jeremy Freeman told the Daily Mail that the couple seemed to be surprised by the “escalator gate” incident at the United Nations General Assembly. He believes Melania said to Donald, “You just continued,” to which he responded, “It was unbelievable. How can you do that?”

Freeman hinted at what the former model might have said to her husband when the escalator halted. She appeared to say something like, “Donald, look at me,” before they stepped down from the helicopter, holding hands and walking off the lawn.

In another viral incident, the first couple had an awkward moment that caught many people’s attention. While celebrating his birthday in June, Donald hosted a $45 million military parade.

But one moment from the parade was “missed” by those online, as his wife awkwardly rejected his affection in public. AGAIN.

Late Show host Stephen Colbert joked on his program, “Rejected!” He continued, “That is risky of her, not to respond to his pinky, because as commander-in-chief, he could have declared a thumb war.”

Past appearances also include the Navy’s 250th anniversary, the 249th Fourth of July celebration, and a rally at Madison Square Garden in October 2024. All of them featured similarly awkward gestures, from ceremonial hand-holding to missed kisses.

Body language expert Mark Bowden found Melania to be uneasy during the dance with her newly sworn-in husband in January. He felt it could be because she had to “support” the president’s “weight.”

Further explaining the situation, he said, “This shaky start leaves Trump leaning his full weight forward, while Melania manages to meet him cheek to cheek. With her wide-brimmed hat no longer serving as a barrier, the couple is closer than earlier in the day, though precariously close to the ear that once took a bullet.”

At the Pope’s funeral in April, Melania seemed to have kept the president in check, according to James. Following a gentle prompt from his wife, “Donald, look left,” he sprang into action. James highlighted Melania’s observant character to The Mirror. It allegedly plays a crucial role in ensuring Donald makes the strongest impression.

As attendees readied themselves to exchange the Sign of Peace, Donald showed initial reluctance. It was Melania who, setting the example, encouraged him to join in. Whispering what lip reader Nicola Hickling interpreted as, “You should go and do it.”

After reinforcing her message, Donald eventually complied with an “Oh, alright.”

Despite these moments seemingly revealing her true feelings, media psychological coach and body language expert Darren Stanton suggested that Melania often hides her authentic emotions toward her husband. He indicated that Melania’s smiles seem “contrived” and that she appears emotionally detached when in her husband’s embrace.