A casual gesture, a quiet exchange, and expert analysis turned a public appearance by Donald and Melania Trump into a talking point after a lip reader shared a private moment.
Donald Trump reportedly used a pet name for Melania Trump during a military parade in Washington, D.C., on June 14. The president and first lady were attending an event commemorating the 250th anniversary of the U.S. Army, which also coincided with Trump’s 79th birthday.
As they arrived together on stage to the ceremonial sounds of “Hail to the Chief” and a 21-gun salute, the couple stood side by side. Chief Musician Sergeant Caroline Nielsen then performed the national anthem before Trump was introduced by Vice President J. D. Vance.
As Trump approached the podium, Melania, 55, warmly placed her arm on his back. He returned the gesture, and as she moved to her seat, lip reader Jeremy Freeman claims Trump quietly said, “Thank you, baby.”
The moment was picked up before President Trump spoke into the microphone to begin his address. Freeman’s interpretation of the exchange was based on video footage captured during the parade, which was held in the capital over the weekend.
While the lip reader’s findings offered one view of the couple’s interaction, body language expert Judi James provided a contrasting perspective. She analyzed their behavior during the same event and noted what she described as signs of a strained dynamic between them.
Her assessment was based on both verbal and nonverbal cues observed as the couple stood together during the high-profile ceremony.
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.
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.
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.
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.”
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.
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.
“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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
