Body Language Experts Reveal Their Thoughts On Trump's Major Kiss Fail At The Inauguration

President Donald Trump was sworn in as the 47th president of the United States of America on Monday. Even though the inauguration followed one of the most polarizing presidential elections in decades, the vibe inside the U.S. Capitol Rotunda appeared to be calm and, all things considered, collegial. 

But throughout the event, a handful of subtle, tiny gestures — tight-lipped smiles, lengthy embraces and a failed kiss — revealed what attendees were really thinking as Trump took office.

HuffPost asked three body language experts what stood out to them during today’s event. Here’s what they said:

The hotly discussed kiss between President Trump and first lady Melania Trump appeared formal. 

President Donald Trump kisses Melania Trump at his inauguration in the U.S. Capitol Rotunda on Jan. 20 in Washington, D.C.
President Donald Trump kisses Melania Trump at his inauguration in the U.S. Capitol Rotunda on Jan. 20 in Washington, D.C. Pool via Getty Images

Perhaps the most eye-grabbing moment during Monday’s inauguration was when the president attempted to kiss his wife, but missed her face. As many users on social media pointed out, the two leaned in to one another, lips slightly puckered, but they did not, in fact, touch.

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“They hate each other,” one user on TikTok said.

“What won’t she do to avoid a kiss on the cheek?” another commented. 

What do body language experts think about the exchange? Karen Donaldson, a body language expert and author of ”Speak Like You Breathe: Straight Talk To Say What You Mean, Be Heard & Get Noticed,” says it was a social kiss.

“It’s not really a signal of affection, especially not used for a loved one,” she told HuffPost. The kiss was mechanical and unnatural, making it seem like more of a formality. “It showcases that their relationship and marriage is more one of a business relationship than a deep-loving one,” Donaldson said. 

Traci Brown, a body language expert and behavior analyst, pointed out that Trump immediately scowled after the kiss, which suggests the act of affection was all for show. “The emotion faded too fast for it to be real,” Brown said.

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But body language expert Blanca Cobb suspects Melania’s wide-brimmed hat got in the way. To reach her cheek, “he would have had to crane his neck awkwardly or adjust her hat,” Cobb said. Plus, their hand-holding shows some element of connection. 

Outgoing second gentleman Doug Emhoff’s hug with former first lady Jill Biden seemed like a genuine sign of support. 

Minutes before President Trump entered the rotunda, Doug Emhoff, former Vice President Kamala Harris’ husband, embraced Jill Biden. In response, Biden rested her head on Emhoff’s shoulder. 

The intimate moment reveals how close the two have become and how painful the loss has been for both of their families, according to experts. 

Brown said resting your head on someone’s shoulder indicates there is a deep closeness between the two. “Lots of trust and likely a common, shared experience that something negative has occurred,” she explained.

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Cobb also mentioned this, noting that the hug captured a moment of support. “Usually, these gestures convey a sense of comfort, empathy and solidarity,” said Cobb.

Former President George W. Bush’s expressive reactions possibly signaled different emotions.

Former President George W. Bush and former first lady Laura Bush attend the Inauguration of Donald J. Trump in the U.S. Capitol Rotunda on Jan. 20.
Former President George W. Bush and former first lady Laura Bush attend the Inauguration of Donald J. Trump in the U.S. Capitol Rotunda on Jan. 20. Pool via Getty Images

On X, one user posted a clip of Bush grinning and wrote: “Idgaf what anyone says. I love George Bush and his 10-year-old-Christmas-concert-spirit.”

During the event, Bush’s eyes darted around and he appeared distracted and disinterested, Donaldson noted. That is, until he realized the cameras were on him, Donaldson said. “Then we saw the smile quickly appear with a quick eyebrow lift to acknowledge someone. He then did a quick exhale, possibly a signal of boredom,” she said.

Some other key inauguration moments also have interesting takeaways.

Politicians from both political parties politely smiled and clapped when Trump, Vice President JD Vance and former President Joe Biden and Harris entered the rotunda. But their mannerisms — and the audience’s responses — offer clues into their deeper emotional states. 

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Vance, for example, was having the biggest moment of his life, yet he was holding back and following protocol, Donaldson noted. “This is evidenced by the tight-lipped smile,” she said. “We can’t see his teeth.” 

Cobb was surprised that Vance did not acknowledge his wife, Usha Vance, when he took his seat. He greeted others around him, but did not interact with her, even though she was looking at him. “Perhaps he was preoccupied, but the absence of a small gesture toward his wife could raise questions about his emotional presence,” Cobb said.

The audience, too, remained expressionless during Vance’s entrance, which Donaldson said signals a general acceptance.

When Trump walked down the aisle, he did so slowly and intentionally. “This shows authority,” Brown said. 

During his entrance, former President Biden frowned slightly as he walked through the building. His lips were together and tight. “That’s silent disagreement with the situation,” Brown said. As for Harris? Donaldson said the reception was quite monotone, packed with courtesy smiles. This kind of smile, which heavily involves the lips versus the eyes or teeth, “signals politeness and respect for what they are witnessing,” Donaldson explained.

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