The First Lady joined her husband at a grand military parade in Washington, D.C., celebrating his 79th birthday and the U.S. Army’s 250th anniversary.
A body language expert analyzed Donald and Melania Trump’s interactions during the 250th Birthday of the U.S. Army Grand Military Parade on June 14, suggesting there was a strained dynamic between them based on their verbal and nonverbal cues.
Donald and Melania Trump attend the US Army’s 250th anniversary parade in Washington, DC on June 14, 2025
Judi James, the body language expert, observed that Melania’s gestures hinted at underlying “tension,” pointing to small movements like adjusting her hair or subtle hand motions that may reflect inner unease.
However, her demeanor shifted when interacting with her husband, as she appeared more engaged and responsive. The couple also shared a rare public moment of affection when she briefly held his hand at the start of the event.
Donald and Melania Trump attend the US Army’s 250th Anniversary Parade in Washington, DC on June 14, 2025
The expert pointed out that Melania appeared more rigid than her husband, at times resembling the formal stance of the military figure standing on his other side.
Donald and Melania Trump stand together as he is given an American flag by a member of the US Army parachute team at the end of the US Army parade in Washington, DC, on June 14, 2025
Meanwhile, nationwide “No Kings” rallies protesting the parade and Donald’s use of the National Guard drew more attention than the event itself. The expert also suggested that the president may have been subtly minimizing his presence during the parade in response to criticism portraying him as a king or dictator
Donald Trump along with others gather on stage to watch the US Army’s 250th anniversary parade on June 14, 2025
Judi explained, “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.”
Donald Trump watches the military parade along with Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth and Melania Trump in Washington, DC, on June 14, 2025
The expert interpreted the president’s choice to wear his usual suit as a deliberate attempt to set himself apart from the military personnel around him. Donald intentionally maintaining a distinction between himself and the military personnel suggested that he showed up to honor them rather than to blend in with their ranks.
Donald and Melania Trump head to the stage during the US Army’s 250th anniversary parade on June 14, 2025
His relaxed posture while seated also gave the impression of a routine day at the office rather than a formal public spectacle. In contrast, Judi observed that the first lady chose a more formal look, wearing a cream, double-breasted, tailored power suit that conveyed a polished and commanding presence.
Donald Trump in Washington, DC, on June 14, 2025
“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,” added Judi.
Donald Trump speaks next to Melania Trump after the US Army’s 250th anniversary parade, on June 14, 2025
As the parade progressed, the expert noted that the president’s enthusiasm appeared to grow. He stood in a fixed salute for extended periods and added a low air-punch with his left hand, an apparent attempt to show both respect and a more personal connection with the troops.
Donald Trump salutes as members of the US Army participate in their 250th aniversary parade in Washington, DC
In addition to the body language analysis, a lip-reading expert, Nicola Hickling, also offered insight into a light-hearted moment between the Trumps during the parade. As they watched the troops march by, Melania reportedly told her husband, “They’re good,” in praise of the performance.
Donald and Melania Trump in Washington, DC on June 14, 2025
In response, he joked, “I pushed my finger on one of them,” according Nicole. Melania Trump playfully corrected him, “You didn’t do that.” The moment, while seemingly a rebuttal, was not tense but rather a brief exchange of humor.
Donald Trump salutes next to Melania Trump during the US Army’s 250th anniversary parade
The couple also shared a few gentle gestures, including touches to her knee, suggesting that at some point, they were relaxed and enjoying each other’s company during the celebration, which marked both Donald’s 79th birthday and the 250th anniversary of the U.S. Army.
Donald and Melania Trump along with others gather on stage to watch the US Army’s 250th anniversary parade on June 14, 2025
The event featured a grand parade that capped off a day of celebrations honoring the U.S. Army’s legacy and the service of those who have defended the nation with courage and dedication. The festivities also looked ahead, marking a commitment to the next 250 years of military service and national pride.
Daniel Driscoll, secretary of the Army, left, Pete Hegseth, Secretary of defense, Donald, and Melania Trump watch the US Army’s 250th anniversary parade
In his speech, Donald pledged, “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.”
Donald and Melania Trump stand together at the end of the US Army parade
The president spoke of the unwavering determination of American soldiers, describing their readiness to face danger head-on, overcome every obstacle, and emerge victorious — driven by both divine favor and the steadfast resolve of the U.S. Army.
Donald Trump is given an American flag by a member of the US Army parachute team
Melania and her husband have often drawn attention during public appearances, and the June 14 parade was no exception. Just months earlier, on April 25, 2025, she and Donald Trump were seen departing the U.S. for Rome to attend the funeral of Pope Francis — a moment that quickly became a topic of online speculation.
Footage of the couple boarding the plane reignited “fake Melania” rumors, while her appearance at the funeral itself added to the buzz, with photos and videos from the trip widely shared and discussed.
netizen’s comment dated April 25, 2025.
Some netizens questioned whether the woman seen with the president was truly Melania, suggesting that her appearance and body language seemed different from what they had come to expect.
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
