Americans might be bracing for the same old Donald Trump, but a pair of renowned body language experts say that the 47th President of the United States is not the same man he was when he assumed the Oval Office for the first time in 2017.
Key Insights
- Donald Trump "more subdued, quiet and pensive" than he was during 2017 inauguration
- Trump's presidential portrait reminiscent of his infamous mugshot – but with an added dash of stoic confidence
- Melania Trump "protected from criticism" by hiding behind a wide-brimmed hat; she and Donald display "misalignment"
- Kamala Harris "tense", Joe Biden more jovial but "uncomfortable" next to Trump
- Elon Musk "every bit as confident" at inauguration as he is online; political aspirations clear in his body language
Trump was sworn in as president Monday afternoon at the U.S. Capitol, becoming just the second man in history to serve two terms non-consecutively. And noted body language expert Inbaal Honigman said in a Covers exclusive that the more jovial Trump of eight years ago has long vanished – replaced by a man bent on enhancing his legacy.
"During his first swearing-in ceremony, Trump was more bouncy, smiley and jostling with the crowd," Honigman told Covers. "We saw a lot of movement, playfulness and delight. His gestures were large and welcoming. The
"Compared with that day, Trump is more subdued, quiet and pensive. His movements are small, he walks confidently but not playfully, and he keeps his hands on his notes. This tells us that his intent this time is to be the best president that he can be, and he wants to be taken seriously."
Donald Trump: a picture of solemnity
Trump's demeanor at his second inauguration matches that conveyed in his latest presidential portrait. Body language expert Mark Bowden told Covers that Trump's portrait shares similar characteristics to that of his now-famous mugshot taken in August 2023 after Trump was indicted on racketeering charges.
"His (second) official portrait seems to mirror the mugshot, but it adds a twist: Trump now appears as a figure of authority rather than someone subject to it," Bowden said. "The pose is deliberately defiant, but here it reinterprets the negative connotations of a mugshot into a symbol of national order and leadership.
"The similarity of the image within a shift of context from the stark background of the Fulton County Jail to Presidential office can be seen as both a wry reference to the mugshot and a calculated branding decision by Trump and the artist. It projects a promise of defiance and aggression, aimed squarely at whoever the viewer might represent."
Bowden goes on to suggest that the choice of skin tone for the portrait creates an "old man and the sea" visage for Trump, a possible allusion to the embattled president having "weathered the storm, survived and (being) ready to take the next wave head on."
Melania Trump similarly stoic at inauguration
Trump's wife also presented a more solemn side at Monday's inauguration.
Melania Trump showed little expression during the ceremony, and Honigman told Covers she believed the First Lady's choice of head wear was a conscious one in this regard.
"Melania’s body language during the 2025 inauguration is still and neutral," Honigman said. "She sits still in her model pose, her facial expression neutral, not drawing any attention to herself, letting all attention be on her husband.
"She doesn’t have an expressive demeanour in general, and has previously been criticised for having short-lasting smiles, which she must have known.
The most notable interaction between the Trumps also drew Honigman's attention – and not in a good way.
"The Trumps’ awkward air kiss as Donald approaches Melania is a case study in misalignment," Honigman told Covers. "
Joe Biden, Kamala Harris show disinterest, discomfort
All eyes were also on outgoing president Joe Biden and 2024 presidential election runner-up Kamala Harris, who were predictably cool toward the new president.
During the inauguration, both Biden and Harris’s legs are crossed away from Trump, showing that they’re not interested in making any connection with him," Honigman said. "Crossing legs away from someone creates a barrier, which they are not meant to pass.
"Harris’s face remains tense, with her lips tight and her eyes wandering sideways.
Despite Biden being the more outwardly happy of the two, that wasn't the case when he and Trump walked into the ceremony together.
"Neither man looks thrilled to be spending any time with the other," Honigman explained. "
Honigman added that Trump walked ahead of the outgoing president, "showing dominance."
Elon Musk looks right at home
The happiest person in the U.S. Capitol on Monday might have been billionaire Elon Musk, who emerged as a key figure in President Trump's next chapter long before he was officially sworn in for a second time.
"Musk’s body language as he chats to other inauguration-goers is every bit as confident as his online persona," Honigman told Covers. "We see him inspecting those around him, his hands firmly in his pockets, showing how at-home he feels there. His smile is closed-mouth and self-satisfied, and he looks downwards at people, which shows a feeling of superiority."
Musk has made no secret (through his words and actions) that he would like to hold political office – and Honigman says the world's richest man already has the body language down.
"Musk talks with his hands which shows that he’s not holding back and being completely himself," Honigman told Covers. "
