The first public appearance of former president Donald Trump since he faced an assassination attempt revealed the enormous emotional toll the attack had on him, a body language expert said.
Trump displayed an uncharacteristically quiet behavior at the Republican National Convention in Milwaukee just hours after surviving a shooting, Judi James noted.
Despite getting a hero’s welcome from cheering supporters chanting “Fight, Fight, Fight,” the Republican presidential nominee chose not to address the crowd, raising his fist to salute the fans.
“He could have made this first appearance in Milwaukee a body language display of the kind of chest-banging power and alpha strength he performed outside the various courtrooms during his trials but instead we are shown a much more nuanced, emotional, and sentimental-looking response from the ex-president here,” the expert added.
For a man who adores “show-boating and peacocking” in front of his supporters, the 78-year-old appeared vulnerable with his huge bandage, still “bracing himself internally.”
“His initial sad eye expression gives away more clues to how touched he seems to be felt and as he hears the first cheers his lips close in a smile of acknowledgment while one brow puckers up to retain that air of self-reflective, sentimental mood,” James explained.
“We see a rare display of low-key modesty from the man who is known for his show-boating and peacocking style of body language.”
