unilad homepage
unilad homepage
  • News
    • UK News
    • US News
    • World News
    • Crime
    • Health
    • Money
    • Sport
    • Travel
  • Music
  • Technology
  • Film and TV
    • News
    • DC Comics
    • Disney
    • Marvel
    • Netflix
  • Celebrity
  • Politics
  • Advertise
  • Terms
  • Privacy & Cookies
  • LADbible Group
  • LADbible
  • SPORTbible
  • GAMINGbible
  • Tyla
  • UNILAD Tech
  • FOODbible
  • License Our Content
  • About Us & Contact
  • Jobs
  • Latest
  • Archive
  • Topics A-Z
  • Authors
Facebook
Instagram
X
Threads
TikTok
YouTube
Submit Your Content
Body language expert breaks down the difference between Trump now and when he first became president
Home>News>US News
Published 13:37 24 Jul 2026 GMT+1

Body language expert breaks down the difference between Trump now and when he first became president

Inbaal Honigman also explained why she thinks Donald Trump has changed his body language

Niamh Shackleton

Niamh Shackleton

google discoverFollow us on Google Discover

A body language expert has broken down Donald Trump's famous hand gestures and undeniably chaotic speeches, suggesting that the president my now be turning over a new leaf.

Trump's public addresses can often go off course, one example being a speech to manufacturing workers in Pennsylvania last month that turned into the POTUS doing an unusual impression of female and transgender weightlifters (something First Lady Melania Trump has apparently told him not to do).

But, after Trump invited the Los Angeles Dodgers to the White House yesterday following their MLB World Series success, body language expert Inbaal Honigman thinks that the POTUS, 80, is now wanting to be taken more seriously in comparison to his first term in office.

How has Trump's body language changed?

Speaking about the way Trump held himself at the event, which was broadcast on the likes of LiveNow from FOX, Inbaal said: "Trump tries his best to stick to the script.

Advert

"As he calls out the names of those in attendance, his eyes are lowered, fixed on the cue cards on the podium.

"This is a different Trump from the one who served as the 45th President. Back then, sticking to the script was not part of his repertoire, but this isn't the only difference."

Why has he changed?

Donald Trump invisted the Los Angeles Dodgers to the White House on July 23 (K.C. Alfred / The San Diego Union-Tribune via Getty Images)
Donald Trump invisted the Los Angeles Dodgers to the White House on July 23 (K.C. Alfred / The San Diego Union-Tribune via Getty Images)

The body language expert went on (speaking on behalf of Casino): "The President is keen to project a different, more responsible and focused persona than he used to. Whereas seven or eight years ago his public addresses were full of excessive gesticulating, wide arm gestures, and free-spirited movements, now he prefers to keep his hands tucked to the sides of the podium.

"Those excessive gestures once signified the overconfident character that was Trump 45, but Trump 47 reins in both his hands and his broad movements. This level of self-control must have taken a great deal of practice, and there's no doubt that a lot of thought and reflection have contributed to the change."

Inbaal added that she believes that the president now has the 'desire to be taken more seriously' after he's been the butt of numerous jokes and jibes over the years. Even Johnny Depp took an apparent swipe at the POTUS recently.

Seemingly Trump wants to be 'seen as more statesmanlike', which may explain his reduced movements, she added.

Additional analysis

Allegedly the president is wanting people to take him more seriously (Samuel Corum/Sipa/Bloomberg via Getty Images)
Allegedly the president is wanting people to take him more seriously (Samuel Corum/Sipa/Bloomberg via Getty Images)

Inbaal's analysis of Trump's recent appearance continued: "When Trump talks about the bet he made with the Prime Minister of Canada, he comes across as proud of himself, as though the achievement were his own.

"Raising his chin, the memory appears to fill him with a sense of power and superiority. Rubbing the sides of the podium with his hands, he seems excited to share the story.

"Trump's body language as he cedes the podium is proud and delighted. He appears to feel that he's done a fantastic job with the address. Trump's tongue touches the corner of his mouth, a sign of smugness. He adjusts his jacket, a gesture that signifies status, as though he feels above everyone else there."

Featured Image Credit: Samuel Corum/Sipa/Bloomberg via Getty Images

Topics: Donald Trump, US News, Baseball

Niamh Shackleton
Niamh Shackleton

Niamh Shackleton is an experienced journalist for UNILAD, specialising in topics including mental health and showbiz, as well as anything Henry Cavill and cat related. She has previously worked for OK! Magazine, Caters and Kennedy.

X

@niamhshackleton

Advert

Advert

Advert

Choose your content:

10 mins ago
an hour ago
2 hours ago
  • Netflix
    10 mins ago

    Inside Michelle Hadley’s life now after she spent 88 days in jail for a crime she didn’t commit

    Michelle filed a civil lawsuit against the Anaheim Police Department after being released

    News
  • Warner Bros
    an hour ago

    Big Bang Theory star Kunal Nayyar looks unrecognizable as they debut cameo in new spinoff show

    The HBO Max show has a connection with the Big Bang Theory universe

    Film & TV
  • Getty Images/KENT NISHIMURA
    2 hours ago

    Staggering cost of fixing Washington's Reflecting Pool as new images show it completely drained

    The actual cost has exceeded predictions by $4 million

    News
  • CBS News
    2 hours ago

    Woman hospitalized by diarrhea parasite after eating Taco Bell describes severe symptoms she suffered

    Ella-Salone Jones had to cancel a Disney World trip with her kids and has racked up $100,000 in medical bills

    News
  • Body language expert breaks down moment between Trump and Messi after World Cup defeat
  • Body language expert breaks down why Donald Trump wouldn't move when Spain lifted World Cup trophy
  • Body language expert breaks down 'tense' moment between Melania Trump and Kate Middleton during UK state visit
  • Body language expert breaks down Nicki Minaj's 'uncomfortable' behavior after holding hands with Trump at event