In honour of her husband’s 79th birthday and the 250th anniversary of the U.S. Army, the First Lady accompanied him at a stately military parade in Washington, D.C.

Based on their verbal and nonverbal signs, a body language expert who studied Donald and Melania Trump’s interactions during the U.S. Army Grand Military Parade’s 250th birthday on June 14 concluded that there was a tense dynamic between them.

Body language expert Judi James noted that Melania’s gestures suggested underlying “tension,” indicating minor hand gestures or hair adjustments that might be a reflection of inner uneasiness.

Her behaviour changed, though, when she was speaking with her husband; she seemed more attentive and involved. She briefly grasped his hand at the beginning of the ceremony, which was another unusual public display of affection between the couple.

According to the expert, Melania seemed more stiff than her husband, often adopting the official posture of the military officer next him.

The parade itself received less notice than the nationwide “No Kings” rallies that opposed it and Donald’s deployment of the National Guard. In reaction to criticism that portrayed him as a monarch or tyrant, the expert further hypothesised that the president might have been quietly downplaying his role during the march.

Judi clarified, “His jacket is unbuttoned which looks decidedly casual as he stands between a military audience and his air-fist ritual as he walks on looks like a tempered version of a victory salute to the crowds.”

According to the expert, the president made a conscious effort to differentiate himself from the surrounding military people by dressing in his typical suit. By purposefully keeping himself apart from the military members, Donald implied that he had come to pay respect to them rather than to become one of their number.

Additionally, his easygoing sitting position suggested that this was not a formal public performance but rather a typical workday. Judi, on the other hand, noted that the first lady opted for a more traditional appearance, donning a cream, double-breasted, fitted power suit that had a refined and authoritative demeanour.

“While Melania performs a wide, Duchenne smile, his smile is the lip-clamped, acknowledging version and his posture slumps as he rests his elbows on his thighs and splays his knees with his hands forming a downward steeple gesture,” Judi said.

The analyst observed that the president’s excitement seemed to increase as the parade went on. In an apparent attempt to demonstrate both respect and a closer relationship with the troops, he added a low air-punch with his left hand while standing in a stationary salute for extended periods of time.

Nicola Hickling, a lip-reading specialist, provided insight into a humorous exchange between the Trumps during the march in addition to the body language research. Melania allegedly praised the performance by telling her husband, “They’re good,” as they watched the troops march by.

“I pushed my finger on one of them,” he joked in response, according to Nicole. Playfully correcting him, Melania Trump said, “You didn’t do that.” Although it appeared to be a retort, the encounter was a quick joke rather than a heated argument.

During the party, which commemorated both Donald’s 79th birthday and the 250th anniversary of the U.S. Army, the couple also made a few soft gestures, such as touching her knee, which suggested that they were at one moment at ease and enjoying each other’s company.

A day of festivities celebrating the legacy of the U.S. Army and the service of individuals who have bravely and devotedly defended the country culminated with a big parade. In addition, the celebrations marked a dedication to the next 250 years of military duty and patriotism.

In his address, Donald stated, “Tonight, we affirm with unwavering certainty that in the years ahead, and in every generation hence, whenever duty calls and whatever danger comes, the American soldier will be there.”

Driven by both divine favour and the unbreakable resolve of the U.S. Army, the president spoke of the American soldiers’ enduring tenacity, emphasising their preparedness to meet danger head-on, conquer every obstacle, and emerge victorious.

During their public appearances, Melania and her husband have frequently attracted notice; the June 14 march was no exception. A few months prior, on April 25, 2025, she and Donald Trump were spotted leaving the United States for Rome to attend Pope Francis’s burial. This incident soon sparked rumours on the internet.

“Fake Melania” rumours were rekindled by footage of the couple getting on the plane, and her attendance at the funeral itself increased the excitement, with pictures and videos from the trip being extensively circulated and discussed.

Given that her appearance and body language were different from what they had become accustomed to, some internet users questioned whether the woman pictured with the president was actually Melania.

Theories about a “fake Melania” gained traction as clips and screenshots were shared across various platforms, fueling widespread debate. “Definitely not Melania; hair too light and no heels. Melania always wears heels!” one netizen shared.

Another person echoed the same sentiment, adamant that the real first lady would never wear flat shoes and would likely avoid traveling overseas with her husband for the entire trip. Someone else added, “It sure doesn’t look like her-the forehead and jawline seem different.”

The idea that a stand-in was utilised was further supported by a commentator who noted that the woman in the video walked too loosely in contrast to Melania’s usually stiff and composed manner.

The Trumps finally arrived in Rome and went to the late Pontiff’s burial on April 26 despite the online commotion that preceded their trip. Wearing a long, fitted coat and a gorgeous black lace veil over her head, Melania looked sober and sophisticated in a traditional black outfit.

Her accessories, which highlighted a dignified and classic style suitable for the occasion, including lace gloves and a delicate cross necklace.

Donald was wearing a deep blue tie, a spotless white shirt, and a navy blue suit. He had his American flag pin on the lapel of his jacket.

Throughout the ceremony, the pair remained calm and courteous, their solemn expressions conveying the seriousness of the occasion. Both Donald and Melania looked concentrated during the service, and photos showed their involvement and calm demeanour.

Following their appearance, social media lit up with reactions, with netizens still convinced the First Lady did not look like herself. “Melania looks different. Is it really her?” one person shared in part. Another added, “What happened to her face?” while someone else wrote, “Her face looks like it’s melting off.”

Donald and Melania not only went to the funeral, but they also paid Pope Francis a secret visit at St. Peter’s Basilica. They stood in front of the late pontiff’s coffin in a private moment, with two Swiss Guards in their traditional vibrant uniforms on either side.

Standing next to her husband in the photo taken during their visit, Melania wore funeral regalia, with her black coat, veil, and high-heeled shoes highlighting a persistent sense of respect.

As they paid their respects, both seemed to be lost in contemplation, and the basilica’s majesty and fine design served as a striking background for the moving scene.

The congregation, which included many international leaders, was later asked to shake hands in a “sign of peace” during the three-hour Catholic Mass. The U.S. President was shown in a video from the funeral service watching the ceremony take place around him but initially choosing not to participate.

Nicola, a forensic lip reader, claims that Melania intervened to get her husband to act. The Daily Mail was informed by the lip reader that the first lady allegedly encouraged her husband to start shaking his hands when he showed signs of hesitation.

“You should do it,” she allegedly leaned in and whispered, then reiterated for emphasis. Donald grudgingly extended his hand to French President Emmanuel Macron at her insistence. He reportedly replied, “Oh, alright,” before taking part in the customary act of goodwill.

For Melania, the day had personal meaning as well. She reflected on attending the burial on her special day and thanked supporters for their birthday greetings in an Instagram post on April 27.

“I had the honor of attending Pope Francis’ funeral, on this day, where I prayed for the healing of those who are suffering and for peace in the world,” she wrote.

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