Donald Trump is many things. But “submissive” isn’t usually one of them. Yet, at the White House’s Celebration of Military Mothers event on Thursday, the POTUS was apparently happy playing second fiddle to the First Lady Melania Trump.
At least that’s what body language expert Judi James has observed. She noted that Trump was “all submissive attendance” to Melania as she took center stage at the rare public appearance.
“Trump is all submissive attendance to his wife here, lingering beside the lectern to remove his own notes before backing off with what almost looks like a bow before standing beside her, listening subtly, reacting to her every word,” James told the Irish Star. “Trump is in the mode of a man who is smitten, chivalrous and even in awe here.”
Im in tears. President Trump gives a huge shoutout to First Lady Melania: “I especially want to thank 1 of the best moms that I know that I’ve ever seen…she is so good with Barron” ❤️
Melania Trump is the BEST First Lady America has ever had
— MAGA Voice (@MAGAVoice) May 8, 2025
That awe was on full display when Trump introduced Melania with a warm, “honey,” before offering his hand and planting a light kiss on her cheek. The moment is far from the usual hand-swatting moments the couple has gone viral for in the past.
The event, held in the East Room of the White House just ahead of Mother’s Day, honored women serving in the military. It also marked a rare solo speech from Melania Trump, who has kept an intentionally low profile during Trump’s second presidency. I
n fact, she didn’t move into the White House until several months into his current term. That had fueled rumors of marital tensions and her disinterest in public life.
But on Thursday, Melania appeared anything but disengaged.
“This is Melania at her most assured, confident and even powerful,” said James. “Talking on a subject that is exclusively hers rather than her husband’s.”
Melania’s speech was around the emotional weight of motherhood, particularly for those in military families. She shared a personal glimpse into her relationship with son Barron, now 19 and studying at NYU, saying, “It’s remarkable, really, that my son’s life creates unimaginable, unpredictable concerns and trials for me, even until this day. All caring mothers understand this rare feeling, nothing against fathers, but in my opinion, and I’m sure everyone in this room agrees, only a mother can grasp this particular point.”
She went on to commend military moms for balancing personal sacrifice with resilience. “They are filled with stories of personal sacrifice, determination, loss and healing,” she said. “I urge you to prioritize your well-being. Nurture yourself, for your strength is the bedrock of a brighter future for our children.”
President Trump praised her speech, and her parenting. “I especially want to thank one of the best moms that I know, that I’ve ever seen. Sometimes, she’s almost too good,” he said, before adding, “She is so good with Barron. He’s grown up strong and nice, and he’s a good boy. You’ve done a great job.”
First Lady Melania Trumpa full speech at the celebration of Military Mothers in the East Room of the White House.
Happy Mothers Day to this wonderful, elegant, classy, beautiful Flotus. pic.twitter.com/vQNnkYxjat
— Sassafrass84 (@Sassafrass_84) May 8, 2025
James even noted that Melania’s carefully styled appearance also had a message. She was dressed in a white structured jacket worn as a cape and a sleek black leather skirt.
“Her black leather skirt and the wide shoulders of her white jacket suggest power dressing, but the way she wears the jacket as a cape is on another level of status,” James explained. “It means a lack of hand or arm movement but a very still and upright posture as she makes her speech.”
Throughout the event, James said Melania looked confident and commanding. Trump stepped into a supporting role.
“Melania starts strong with a confident ‘welcome’ and a gracious smile,” she observed. “Trump pats her on the back in a supportive ritual, and when she thanks him, he is reduced to a chuckle and a wink, like a fan.”
🤍A mother’s love and wisdom empower our children to flourish, instilling in them the courage to reach their full potential.
Motherhood.
Happy Mother’s Day everyone.
– Melania Trump
🎥 @MargoMartin47 pic.twitter.com/Rc81W6wSfn— Melissa Hallman (@dotconnectinga) May 8, 2025
It was, according to James, a moment of role reversal. “She looks very much as though she’s keen to stamp her own signals of confidence and even authority here,” she said, adding that Trump “walks on ahead with a somber expression,” while Melania “courts the cameras in the way her husband usually does.”
“When it is over, Trump is on hand again to offer his hand to help her off the stage, clearly happy to take a back seat for once for this woman whose confidence and whose signals of power seem to grow by the day during this term in office,” James concluded.
Netizens seem to be ‘happy’ looking at the dynamic as well. In of the videos on YouTube, a user commented, “I’m so glad that Melania is coming forward a bit more this time around. She seems like a lovely person. Happy Mother’s Day!”
Why First Lady Melania Trump’s speech was so touching today as she and her husband President Trump celebrated military mothers, space force mothers and caregivers pic.twitter.com/O1Hhg2tY9K
— Anna Wilding Worldwide ❤️ (@annawilding) May 8, 2025
A second comment read, “Thank you all Military moms and our graceful First Lady for recognizing these amazing moms. Happy Mother’s Day.”
For sure, it’s a striking shift for a couple whose public appearances have often raised eyebrows.
But this time, the message looked different. Melania is stepping into her own spotlight, and Trump, for once, doesn’t seem to mind.
Catch more candid moments below from Melania’s big day at the White House.
Melania Trump honored America’s military mothers, urging women to care for themselves as the foundation of future generations. Her speech struck a profound emotional chord.
The picture screams affection, much different to their often speculated body language in public appearances.
