Earlier this week, Melania Trump released her first official White House portrait following her husband Donald Trump's inauguration last Monday (20 January).
The photo in question, which was snapped the day after the 78-year-old Republican leader was sworn in, was taken by photographer Régine Mahaux, who has been working with the Trump family for over 20 years.
However, since its release earlier this week, a body language expert has weighed in the photo and claimed the 54-year-old First Lady was sending a 'hidden message' with it. So, without further ado, let's get into it.
Posture
Speaking on behalf of Betfair Slots, body language expert Darren Stanton explained: "Melania is standing with an open posture, her hands are on the table. It’s a dominant posture, she’s telling us that she hasn’t come to play.
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"It’s an extension of the reverse staple gesture that Donald Trump makes, which is when you make a bridge out of your hands and then turn it upside-down.
"Her hands are spread out, which is part of this steeple gesture. The more space we create with our hands, something Trump does a lot of, or any other politician that wants to be perceived as powerful."
Hidden meaning in Melania's portrait
According to the expert such a stance is 'basically saying': "I’m not someone to be messed with, I’m my own person, and I’m the most important person here."
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He continued: "It’s a dominance gesture, and she’s titled forwards which is almost passive aggressive. If someone leans into your personal space, any person in authority with this stance, it’s quite intimidating."
Commenting on her choice of attire - a black business suit - Darren pointed out: "She's not in a dress or more laid back and more feminine clothing. A business suit on anyone, means quite literally, I've come to do business, I'm not a pushover."
Outfit choice
Commenting that the get-up is 'quite masculine', the expert claimed that the whole point of the portrait is 'about power and the assertion of power'.
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"She’s not going to be in the shadows or in the wings this time," Darren carried on. "This is likely a sign we’ll see her have her own projects and things going on over the next four years which will give her a stronger sense of her own identity.
"She didn’t like being in the limelight last time, but I think this time around, we’ll see a lot more. Not in terms of being with Donald more, but we’ll see her create her own projects."
Facial expressions
Moving onto her facial expressions, the body language expert also declared Melania's was 'passive aggressive', adding: "We can see this from the fact the eyes are squinted, eyebrows together and lips are pierced.
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"In psychological terms, it’s an anger micro expression."
Why was Melania's portrait shot in black and white?
Darren told Tyla: "The reason it’s in black and white is the same reason for publicity shots for media or headshots, photographers can play with shadow much easier, and it’s much more of a sharper image than if in colour.
"It gives it a kind of clarity and perspective you just can’t achieve with colour. She’s going to have more of a voice this time around, that’s what this photo suggests."
Topics: Melania Trump, Celebrity, Donald Trump, US News, Politics
Rhiannon Ingle