Body language expert breaks down Melania Trump's 'passive aggressive' new First Lady portrait

A body language expert has analysed Melania Trump's 'powerful' First Lady portrait.

Yesterday (January 27), the official portrait of First Lady Melania Trump - taken on January 21 in the Yellow Oval Room by photographer Régine Mahaux - was released by the White House.

And body language and behavioural expert, Darren Stanton, has since weighed in about what the portrait apparently says about the partner of US President Donald Trump.

Posture

In the image, Melania is stood up straight, her hands resting on a table, her body positioned straight at the camera.

Speaking on behalf of Betfair Slots, Darren Stanton tells UNILAD that Melania is standing with a very 'open' but 'dominant posture' which tells the viewer she 'hasn't come to play'.

He explains: "It’s an extension of the reverse staple gesture that Donald Trump makes, which is when you make a bridge out of your hands and then turn it upside-down. It’s basically saying, 'I’m not someone to be messed with, I’m my own person, and I’m the most important person here'."

Melania's hands are also 'spread out' which is 'part of this steeple gesture', as he adds: "The more space we create with our hands, something Trump does a lot of, or any other politician that wants to be perceived as powerful."

Not only are the gestures suggestive of 'dominance,' but Stanton goes so far as to analyze Melania's stance as being 'almost passive aggressive' given she's 'tilted forwards', too.

"If someone leans into your personal space, any person in authority with this stance, it’s quite intimidating," he adds.

And this is echoed even further in Melania's facial expression, he also says.

Facial expression

Stanton continues: "Her facial expression, it’s passive aggressive. We can see this from the fact the eyes are squinted, eyebrows together and lips are pierced.

"In psychological terms, it’s an anger micro expression."

And the image being in black and white? Well, Stanton argues it's to emphasize the shadows and give a 'sharper image' which gives 'clarity and perspective,' suggesting Melania is 'going to have more of a voice this time around'.

And Melania's outfit acts as the cherry on top.

Outfit

Melania is wearing a business suit opposed to any more 'laid back' or 'feminine clothing'.

Stanton evaluates: "A business suit on anyone, means quite literally, I've come to do business, I‘m not a pushover.

"The look is quite masculine, this whole photograph is about power and the assertion of power. She’s not going to be in the shadows or in the wings this time.

"This is likely a sign we’ll see her have her own projects and things going on over the next four years which will give her a stronger sense of her own identity."

While Melania may've not liked 'being in the limelight last time,' Stanton believes the photograph implies we'll see 'a lot more' of her during Trump's second presidency.

Although, 'not in terms of being with Donald more, but we’ll see her create her own projects'.

Stanton resolves that there are 'four or five different gestures in this picture which clearly say' Melania is trying to give off the image of 'power'.