A body language expert has explained Melania Trump's 'frustrated' reaction to the president as he put on an 'arrogant' display while attending a Les Misérables performance in Washington D.C.
Donald Trump and Melania where invited to a special performance of the classic theatre production at the Kennedy Center yesterday evening (11 June), but reports suggested that many of the actors 'boycotted' the show upon receiving the news of the president attending.
It was Trump's first visit to the venue since naming himself chairman, and was greeted with both boos and cheers as he took his seat in the theatre.
The Republican leader and his wife walked the red carpet prior to the show, where they answered questions from reporters - but one question in particular sparked a 'blunt' reaction from the 78-year-old.
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The reporter said: "It's been reported that some actors have boycotted the show tonight," to which Trump responded: "I couldn't care less. Honestly I couldn't.
"All I do is run the country well, the economic numbers, you saw them, they're setting records. People are happy, people are wealthy, that's what I care about.
"And we're going to have a safe country."
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But it seems the bold claim didn't go down too well with wife Melania, who awkwardly turned as if to question what on earth was coming out of her husband's mouth.
Speaking on behalf of Genting Casino, body language expert Darron Stanton has revealed his take on the strange encounter.
"When he says he doesn’t care less, he means it," Stantons said. "He’s not bothered. He’s not fazed at all, he’s being genuine."
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He added: "He did what’s called a chin thrust. It shows arrogance and defiance, designed to undermine and intimidate the other person."
Commenting on Melania's reaction, he noted: "I felt she was a bit embarrassed by his response. We saw her flash a fake smile and she twisted her body, which is a sign of frustration."
A reporter also asked Trump which Les Mis character he thought he was most like - a question he handed over to his wife.
Stanton said: "Melania was a little bit embarrassed when he asked her to answer the question about which character he’s most like in Les Mis."
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Also in attendance to the performance was vice president JD Vance, and his wife, Usha Vance.
Speaking to reporters on the red carpet, Vance said: "I've never seen it [Les Miserables] before, I'm excited about it."
Topics: Donald Trump, Melania Trump, Politics, US News
Mia Williams