Body language experts have weighed in on Donald Trump and Melania Trump‘s behavior during the trophy presentation following the World Cup final.
The U.S. president drew widespread attention after he was seen repeatedly patting the World Cup trophy before presenting it to the winners. He also remained on stage during the team’s celebrations after handing over the trophy, a move that sparked criticism and confusion among football fans on social media.
Meanwhile, First Lady Melania Trump also attracted attention for her facial expressions throughout the ceremony.
Before presenting the World Cup trophy to Spain’s players, Trump drew attention by repeatedly patting it in an unusual gesture. Body language and astrology expert Inbaal Honigman has now offered her interpretation of what may have been behind the president’s behavior.
“That touch is accepting, welcoming and amiable, but there’s another aspect to this touch. It may show that, in his own mind, the President may possess spiritual abilities which allow him to confer good luck upon the Cup,” the expert said while speaking with Covers.
Honigman based her analysis on Trump’s “view of his own importance,” adding that he may believe “his presence there carries a spiritual significance.”
Expert Says Melania Appeared Tense Throughout The Final
4Honigman also analyzed First Lady Melania Trump’s facial expressions during the World Cup final.
Melania joined her husband for the high-profile event, with the pair watching the match from the VIP box alongside FIFA President Gianni Infantino. She did not, however, take part in the post-match trophy presentation.
Speaking about the First Lady’s demeanor, Honigman claimed that Melania “never adopts a fully neutral expression” whenever the camera panned to her during the final.
She also noted that Melania’s expressions are “always a little tense,” adding that they convey “restraint and determination.”
According to Honigman, this behavior should not come as a surprise, as Melania has often displayed similar expressions during her public appearances.
Donald Trump ‘Struggled To Hide His Annoyance’ After Boos, Expert Says
4Trump’s appearance at the World Cup final marked his only visit to the tournament throughout its month-long run.
Many attendees did not take kindly to his appearance, and when the camera panned to him, a large section of the crowd loudly booed the president. Trump also appeared to gesture toward the spectators in response.
Reflecting on his reaction, Honigman claimed the boos affected Trump more than he wanted to show.
“The booing really gets to Trump, and he struggles to hide his annoyance,” the body language expert said.
Trump Stayed On Stage During Spain’s Trophy Celebration
4During the trophy presentation, Trump attracted further attention with his actions on stage.
After joining FIFA President Gianni Infantino to present the World Cup trophy to Spain captain Rodri, the U.S. president remained on the podium, attempting to shake hands with and speak to several Spanish players as they prepared to celebrate.
At one point, Rodri appeared to guide Trump to one side so the team’s celebrations could begin. However, rather than leaving the stage entirely, the president stayed at the edge of the group while the players gathered around the trophy.
Moments later, Infantino appeared to notice the situation and seemingly spoke to Trump about stepping aside. The president then moved away from the center of the celebrations, but not before raising his fist in the air in what appeared to be a celebratory gesture alongside the newly crowned champions.
Fans Slammed Donald Trump For Remaining On The Podium
4Many social media users criticized Trump for remaining on the podium during the trophy presentation, with some arguing that he deliberately stayed in place to ensure he appeared in photographs as Spain lifted the World Cup trophy.
“Beyond pathetic. Trump wouldn’t leave the podium during Spain’s World Cup trophy celebration until FIFA President Gianni Infantino pulled him away,” one commenter wrote.
“It was such a painful scene. Such a child. He still thinks it’s all about him. The Cup tradition spans generations,” another person remarked.
“He’s been losing so much recently that he needed to remind himself how victory feels,” a third netizen said.
“Nobody wanted to shake his hand. What an embarrassment. He is so pathetic,” another social media user added.