January 9th 2025.
At the state funeral for former President Jimmy Carter, President-elect Donald Trump was seated next to ex-President Barack Obama and his wife Melania Trump. Despite their past disagreements, body language experts noticed that Trump seemed more engaged with Obama than with his own wife.
During the funeral, which brought together all five living US presidents, Trump and Obama spent several minutes speaking and laughing together while Melania sat at the far end of the row, solemnly reading a prayer book. This friendly interaction between Trump and Obama was surprising, given the animosity they have shown towards each other in the past.
Body language expert Chris Ulrich, who founded CU in the Moment, noted that the interaction between Trump and Obama was more engaged and friendly than what was observed between Melania and Trump. Ulrich also mentioned that when the couple did eventually speak to each other, there was a noticeable level of friendliness, which is not typically seen between them.
Another body language expert, Susan Constantine, who is certified in the Facial Action Coding System, remarked that Trump and Obama seemed to have built a certain level of synergy and had put aside any previous clashes. She also noted that while there was a sense of tension among the other seated presidents, Trump and Obama appeared natural and at ease with each other.
Meanwhile, Melania's body language showed signs of discomfort and unease throughout the funeral. Constantine observed that she appeared very contained and struggled to maintain a neutral facial expression. In contrast, Trump could have made her feel more included by simply placing his left arm on her hand, instead of leaving her feeling like an outsider.
Other experts also had differing interpretations of the Trump-Obama exchange. Patti Wood, who speaks on grief and loss, pointed out that while Trump made an effort to engage with Obama, Obama seemed slightly frostier towards him. Wood noted that Obama's body language showed a guarded position, with his left arm close to his body and slightly turned away from Trump.
Referring to Melania's outfit as resembling that of a conservative nun, Wood also remarked that she appeared angry and there was no touching or leaning towards her husband. According to Wood, it would be difficult to recognize them as a couple if one did not already know.
Body language expert Darren Stanton, speaking on behalf of Slingo, noted that Obama leaned forward and spoke while Trump leaned back and showed a bilateral smile, which Stanton interpreted as contempt and smugness. He also mentioned that Trump's expressions were influenced by the fact that he was soon to be the president.
Overall, it was clear from the body language experts' observations that Trump and Obama had a surprisingly amicable interaction at the funeral, while Melania seemed to feel out of place and uncomfortable.
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