From commanding handshakes to subtle gestures, President Donald Trump’s second inauguration offered a rich display of nonverbal communication, analyzed by body language expert Judi James. From Trump’s “alpha mode” entrance to tense interactions between Joe and Jill Biden, James broke down the moments that caught the world’s attention.
Arriving at St. John’s Church in Washington, DC, Trump projected dominance, according to James. “Alpha mode at full throttle,” she told Paddy Power. “The chest? Inflated and splayed like a cockerel in a power pose. The spine? Upright enough to make a Buckingham guard jealous. The expression? A lip-clamp and raised jaw combo that screamed, ‘I’m in charge. Again.’”
Later that evening, even during the fireworks display, Trump’s body language reflected his serious demeanor. “This was ‘business as usual,’” James told the Daily Mail, describing his steady and controlled posture. Melania Trump also made her presence felt with what James described as a “subtle power play.”
During their ceremonial entrance, Melania offered her hand first, signaling an elevated status in Trump’s second term. “Trump held Melania’s hand, but this time, it was Melania who made the first move,” James observed. “It suggested her status and profile were part of the show. Even their outfits were perfectly coordinated. It was a power couple display—but made it fashion.”
James also noted Trump’s gestures of care, such as lifting their clasped hands high and placing a guiding hand on her back, blending “care and choreography” to emphasize their unity.
In stark contrast, the Bidens’ body language during the handover ceremony suggested tension. Jill Biden’s subtle movements created what James called a “noticeable social gap.” “When Joe extends his hand to Jill to lead her into the White House, she leans subtly back, her arms remaining firmly by her sides as if rejecting the gesture,” James noted. Behind Joe’s back, Jill’s expression briefly dropped, hinting at unease.
Outgoing Vice President Kamala Harris displayed discomfort during the ceremony, rolling her shoulders and fidgeting, while her husband, Doug Emhoff, exuded warmth, offering a stark contrast. “Emhoff’s friendliness highlighted Harris’ fixed, almost rigid smile,” James explained.
Trump’s body language, paired with his defiant inaugural address, underscored his comeback after years marked by controversies, criminal indictments, and assassination attempts. For many, the ceremony encapsulated the dynamics of power, tension, and resilience on display.