Photos displayed a noticeably underwhelming crowd, with plenty of empty space along the parade route. Trump only spoke for eight minutes, even though he was meant to go for 15.
Andrew Harnik/Getty Images
Seated between Melania and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, Trump spent most of the event chatting with Hegseth. But as per a lip reader, one short exchange with Melania offered a glimpse into their private dynamic, and it was surprisingly wholesome.
“Are you cold?” Trump seemed to ask his wife, according to lip-reading expert Nicola Hickling, who analysed the footage for the Daily Mail. Melania seemed to smile and respond: “No, I’m okay.” Trump gave a small nod in return.
It’s hardly pillow talk, but for a pair often rumoured to be frosty behind closed doors, it was something. And that wasn’t the only PDA on display.
Judi James, a body language expert, told The Irish Star that Melania seemed more present and engaged than usual, even showing rare signs of affection toward her husband.
Win McNamee/Getty Images
“Melania’s body language was something of a small revelation at the parade,” James said. “Not only was she displaying subtle signals of taking a more assertive role with her husband, but there was also a very unusual and eye-catching PDA.”
The big move? Placing her hand on Trump’s thigh, twice. James believed that it could’ve been a gesture of closeness, or even a subtle act of control.
“She could’ve been trying to console him,” James added. “It might’ve been his birthday treat, or maybe just a soft landing after the bash didn’t quite deliver on crowd size or vibes.”
Later, Trump returned the favour, reportedly resting his hand on Melania’s lap.
For a couple that’s often made headlines for looking like they’d rather be anywhere else, it was a moment of uncharacteristic tenderness, even if it came at a parade with more tanks than fans.
So though the party might’ve flopped, Trump at least got one birthday gift: Melania letting him know she wasn’t cold, and maybe still isn’t giving him the cold shoulder.
