Elon Musk played the role of warm-up act for Melania Trump at Donald’s rally in New York City this week, stirring noticeable excitement as he introduced the Former First Lady. According to a body language guru, even the wealthiest tycoon couldn’t hide his nerves and enthusiasm around Melania.
She’s been largely out of the spotlight during Donald Trump’s recent campaign efforts but turned heads with her unexpected presence on stage at Madison Square Garden, succeeding the discourse given by Tesla and SpaceX CEO Elon Musk. Charged with presenting her to the crowd, Musk exhibited the eagerness of an adolescent at a rock concert, observes body language aficionado Judi James to Irish Star.
Judi James remarked: “Musk’s body language makes him look like an excited teenager introducing a rock star onto the stage. The crowds go wild at the sound of Melania’s name and Musk turns to study their reactions before pacing about to await her arrival, even putting in a little shoulder shimmy of preparation just before she climbs the stairs.”
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Even though Melania encountered several voice cracks throughout her addressa telltale hint of anxiety or tensionJames reckons she exuded poise and royalty.
“Melania’s response looks gracious and even regal,” she commented. “She throws both hands out, palm-up in an empty embrace gesture as she reaches the top of the steps and this gesture makes it look as though she is greeting an old friend.”
Indeed, Musk and the Trump family have a long history together, though it hasn’t always been smooth sailing. Musk first voiced his opinion on Donald Trump before his 2016 election, stating that Trump was “not the right guy,” and adding that “he doesn’t seem to have the sort of character that reflects well on the United States.”
However, their relationship seemed to evolve into one of mutual respect over time. In 2020, Trump praised Musk as “one of our great geniuses” and in May 2022, Musk promised to lift the ban on Trump as the new owner of Twitter – now known as X. Despite the complexities of their friendship, James believes that Musk holds Melania in high esteem.
“She takes the lead by instigating the air kiss greeting and Musk drops away with a performed respect to allow her to take center stage for her speech,” she explained. Social media users noted that Musk appeared slightly nervous and ‘dorky’ next to Melania, whose poise and confidence were evident throughout her appearance.
Later that evening, Musk’s mother Maye shared on social media, “I was happy to meet @MELANIATRUMP She is sweet and friendly.”
Elon responded to his mother’s post, writing: “Very much so.”