An expert has spoken about Melania Trump's body language as her husband, Donald Trump, was declared the new president-elect of the United States.
The result of the US election had been predicted hours before after Trump was projected to win swing states of North Carolina, Georgia, and Pennsylvania, but it was his triumph in Wisconsin that pushed him over the line of 270 votes.
Declaring his victory after the Republican Party took Pennsylvania on Wednesday morning (November 6), Trump - who will become America's 47th president in January 2025 - took to the stage at his campaign's HQ in West Palm Beach, Florida.
He told supporters: "Every single day I will be fighting for you, with every single breath in my body. I will not rest until we have delivered the strong, safe and prosperous America that children deserve.
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"And that you deserve. This will truly be the golden age for America. They were tough races... the number of victories in the Senate was absolutely incredible."
Trump appeared on stage alongside his family, including his wife Melania, son Barron and daughter Ivanka.
Now, speaking to Paddy Power Games, body language expert Judi James explained that Melania, 54, appeared 'powerful' and 'confident' as she shared the stage with her husband.
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“During [Trump's] arrival on stage, he stepped out to pose, looking momentarily overwhelmed. While his right hand punched the air gently his face seemed puckered in a moment of inner emotion," James explained.
"It was Melania, in a businesslike grey power suit and the towering Barron who flanked Trump exhibiting the body language signals of strength and support."
According to James, it was Trump's body language that gave a clear impression he 'seeks support and strength' from his wife who was 'promoted to a star in her own right' as she stood alongside her husband.
"Trump’s gesticulation and touch rituals with her gave the impression that he seeks support and strength from her rather than the other way round," the expert added.
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“While Trump opted to not bare his teeth in a smile, Melania was beaming with rounded cheeks of pride and delight and baring both upper and lower teeth in her smiles."
The pair even shared an embrace on stage, with Trump congratulating Melania on her 'number one best-selling book' in the US.
“He turned to throw his arms out for a congratulatory hug to her. Melania responded with both hands held out palms-up and there was a familiarly awkward-looking moment before the couple docked."
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But according to James, the biggest sign of Melania's 'power and confidence' came when she placed her arm on Trump's back.
“A revealing signal of Melania’s power and confidence came as she stretched an arm out to place her hand on Trump’s back to steer (or gently push) him back to the lectern," she continued.
“A final signal of Trump’s new power dynamic with Melania came when another guy took to the mic and Trump edged across to his wife to push his fingers into her hand like a small child seeking reassurance from its mother.”
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This will be Trump's second time around in the White House, and he will be inaugurated into office in January 2025.
Topics: Donald Trump, Politics, US News, Melania Trump
Lucy Devine