Lip reader decodes Melania Trump's comment to Saudi Crown Prince during controversial meeting

A human behaviour expert has assessed footage from Saudi Crown Prince Mohammad bin Salman's recent visit to the White House, during which Melania Trump is said to have issued a rather controversial comment.

For those in need of a reminder, the Middle Eastern leader touched down in Washington D.C. on Wednesday (18 Nov) to meet with his American counterpart about military hardware partnerships.

Whilst chatting to press earlier this week, 79-year-old Trump described Saudi Arabia as a 'major non-NATO ally', announcing place for bin Salman's army to be sold advanced F-35 fighter in exchange for US investment pledges into the AI, civil nuclear energy, and tech.

Melania's comments were decoded by a lip reader (Win McNamee/Getty Images)

The meeting set tongues wagging for different reasons, however, after Trump insisted that the Saudi royal 'knew nothing' about the 2018 assassination of journalist Jamal Khashoggi at the Saudi consulate in Istanbul.

The President's new claim directly contradicts a 2021 US intelligence assessment, which determined the crown prince had approved the operation.

"I’m very proud of the job he’s done," Trump gushed. "What’s he done is incredible in terms of human rights and everything else."

As we say, following the controversial get-together, a lip leader has taken a closer look at the Trumps' black-tie welcome party that took place the same night, believing the First Lady fired out a purposeful remark about the Saudi prince in light of this controversy.

Speaking to the Irish Star, Nicola Hickling claims that, whilst she and Trump posed together on the red carpet entrance, Melania could be seen leaning moving towards the direction of bin Salman.

The meeting was seen as controversial (Win McNamee/Getty Images)

Whilst the President shakes the Prince's hand, the 55-year-old report reportedly tells him, 'Hello, my friend'.

Melania then extended a hand to the Saudi royal, as her husband introduces her.

"I am honoured that you are here, thank you," the mother-of-one - who shares 19-year-old son Barron with the Trump - added.

Apparently, it wasn't just Melania's words that were used to appease bin Salman during his visit to the States, but her clothing.

Whilst White House officials haven't confirmed the theory specifically, it's been said that the jewel-green Elie Saab evening gown - estimated to have cost around $3,350 - was a nod to the colour of Saudi Arabia's flag.

As a reminder, the national emblem of the Middle Eastern nation is also a symbol of two crossed swords below a palm tree.

Melania donned a dress that matched the Saudi flag (Nathan Howard/Politico/Bloomberg via Getty Images)

"The First Lady @melaniatrump chose a beautiful green dress in the exact same shade as the Saudi flag, which stands for peace, and its design also matches the Kingdom’s emblem, the palm tree, which represents generosity and hospitality," one X (formerly Twitter) user gushed of the coincidence.

"Such a nice and respectful tribute to the Kingdom."

Another added: "Melania looks gorgeous in her emerald green gown as POTUS and FLOTUS greet the Crown Prince."