A body language expert has broken down a surprise statement Melania Trump delivered from the White House yesterday, in which she denied any association with Jeffrey Epstein.
Speaking to The Express, Judi James believes the First Lady chose her words wisely - two, in particular - whilst addressing long-standing rumours that the late sex offender had introduced her and her husband, Donald.
"Good afternoon. The lies linking me with the disgraceful Jeffrey Epstein need to end today," Melania began. "The individuals lying about me are devoid of ethical standards, humility and respect.
"I do not object to their ignorance, but rather, I reject their mean-spirited attempts to defame my reputation."
Advert
It was the 55-year-old's opening words that immediately caught the attention of human behaviour expert James, who believes they made Melania's intentions crystal clear.
"She addresses the room with a steady gaze and a squared jaw for her 'Good afternoon' unsmiling greeting," James assessed. "Her choice of words suggests anger and authority.
"She refers to 'disgraceful' Epstein and a 'devoid of respect' approach."
Without looking up from her notes, Melania continued: "I have never been friends with Epstein. Donald and I were invited to the same parties as Epstein from time to time, since overlapping in social circles is common in New York City and Palm Beach."
The mother-of-one also insisted she wasn't a victim of the disgraced media mogul, nor did Epstein introduce her to Donald - another common allegation.
"To be clear, I never had a relationship with Epstein or his accomplice Maxwell," she added.
"My email reply to Maxwell cannot be categorised as anything more than casual correspondence. My polite reply to her email doesn't amount to anything more than a trivial note.
"Epstein did not introduce me to Donald Trump. I met my husband by chance at a New York City party in 1998. This initial encounter with my husband is documented in detail in my book, Melania.
"The first time I crossed paths with Epstein was in the year 2000 at an event Donald and I attended together. At the time, I had never met Epstein and had no knowledge of his criminal undertakings."
Elsewhere in her largely unexpected address, Melania issued a warning on the 'fake images and statements' she's observed 'circulating on social media' regarding her rumoured affiliation with the disgraced media mogul, telling spectators: "Be cautious about what you believe."
She also cited 'successes' her attorneys have allegedly secured against groups that have publicly linked her to Epstein, naming The Daily Beast, James Carville, and HarperCollins UK.
Noting the First Lady's composure, body language expert James remarked: "Her delivery of her words is slow and emphatic, making them sound carefully chosen and heartfelt."
Lastly, Melania encouraged Congress 'to act', insisting Epstein 'was not alone' in his crimes.
"Several prominent male executives resigned from their powerful positions after this matter became widely politicised," she continued. "Of course, this doesn't amount to guilt, but we still must work openly and transparently to uncover the truth.
"I call on Congress to provide the women who have been victimised by Epstein with a public hearing specifically centred around the survivors.
"Give these victims their opportunity to testify under oath in front of Congress with the power of sworn testimony.
"Each and every woman should have her day to tell her story in public, if she wishes, and then her testimony should be permanently entered into the Congressional Record.
"Then, and only then, we will have the truth. Thank you."
Without taking any questions, Melania then walked away from the podium.
Noting her abrupt conclusion, James explained: "At the end she looks up again, fixing the room with a brief but powerfully steady gaze and pursing her lips to suggest what looks like indigence before saying 'Thank you', and turning on her heels to march quickly out of the room again."
Topics: Melania Trump, Politics, US News, Donald Trump, Jeffrey Epstein
Rhianna Benson