Have you ever watched a married couple and wondered if they even know each other? That’s the impression many got during today’s inauguration. As he was sworn in for his second term, the attempt at affection between the couple fell flat—and it was incredibly awkward.
Just before Trump took his oath, he leaned in to kiss Melania. But her fancy black-and-white hat got in the way. Instead of fixing the situation, the two shared an uncomfortable “air kiss.” It was the kind of moment that made you cringe.
Body language expert Inbaal Honigman said, “The Trumps’ awkward air kiss is a case study in misalignment. He’s clearly unsure how to show affection towards his wife in the presence of her impressive hat, but neither of them attempts to solve the situation. Melania could have angled her face to present her cheek to her husband. Donald could have bent a little lower to reach his wife’s cheek. But neither of them did it.”
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People have often noticed strange moments in the Trumps’ marriage. During Trump’s first inauguration in 2017, Melania smiled at him while he looked her way, but her face quickly dropped into a frown when he turned away. Later that year, during a visit to Israel, she made headlines by slapping his hand away when he tried to hold hers, sparking viral speculation about trouble in their relationship. In 2020, at a Veterans Day event, her blank expression stood out as she stood by Trump, looking completely uninterested, as if she wanted to be anywhere else.
Honigman compared Trump’s interaction with his wife to his behavior with Usha Vance, the wife of JD Vance, who was also sworn in today. “Trump’s congratulating hand on Usha Vance after JD’s swearing-in is more personal and kind than his kiss for Melania,” Honigman said.
Even Melania’s body language was different from before. In 2017, she smiled and waved at the crowd, trying to seem warm and friendly. Today, she sat still, her expression neutral. Honigman explained, “Melania’s body language during the 2025 inauguration is still and neutral. She sits in her model pose, letting all attention stay on her husband.”
Melania’s quiet and distant behavior has raised questions about how she really feels—or if it’s just an act. Back in 2018, she told ABC News that she sometimes feels like the “most bullied person in the world,” which many found ironic, given that her husband is widely known for bullying others, primarily through his constant attacks on social media.
Trump has often been seen using relationships to serve his own interests, both in politics and his personal life. Over the years, he has been involved in scandals that highlight a pattern of self-interest, from boasting about inappropriate behavior in the infamous Access Hollywood tape to facing multiple lawsuits accusing him of fraud. His actions over time paint a clear picture of a man focused more on himself than on those around him.
As Trump starts his second term, all eyes are on him—for better or worse. Today’s awkward kiss shows they might need better timing, or maybe Melania should choose more decent outfits next time.
