Melania Trump wanted to 'avoid' holding Donald's hand at Florida fundraiser, expert says

April 25, 2024

Melania Trump may have avoided holding her husband’s hand at a fundraising event in Florida over the weekend, a body language expert has said.

The former President Donald Trump was seen with his wife at a lush gala hosted by hedge fund billionaire John Paulson and his fiancée Alina De Almedia in the Sunshine State. Melania Trump accompanied her business mogul husband at the $250,000-per-person event. But a body language expert, who looked at the clip of the pair, believes Melania either didn’t expect or wanted to avoid holding Donald Trump’s hand at the Florida fundraiser.

Melania Trump looked ‘well-groomed’ in Florida – but ‘not Donald’

Body language expert Judi James spoke to The Mirror about the new video, where the former president spoke to the press about his fundraiser.

She said the former model appeared like a ‘well-groomed’ plant but said Donald was an ‘invasive weed’.

She also saw signs in their body language which didn’t match up with the celebrity couple.

Judi said: “Trump likes to play it by ear, and he seems to value the odd PDA with his wife, while Melania will happily stick to a more studied elegance, even swatting Trump’s proffered hand away in the past.”

She added: “On arrival Melania’s expression is looking rather fierce and as Donald holds his hand out to clasp hers in an emphatic ‘announcement’ gesture, Melania’s hand appears to be coming out of her pocket in a delayed response suggesting she was either not expecting the hand-hold that ensued or maybe preferring to avoid it.”

Trump invites special guests

After opponent US President Joe Biden raised $90m in March, Trump pulled out the special guest list for his event.

He invited South Carolina Senator Tim Scott, North Dakota Governor Doug Burgum (rumored to be under Trump’s consideration for vice president), as well as billionaire Robert Mercer and his daughter Rebekah.

Casino owner Steve Wynn and wife Andrew, as well as oil tycoon Harold Hamm were invited. CEO John Catsimadtidis and Cantor Fitzgerald CEO Howard Lutnick were also on the list.

The former POTUS said he raised $50m at the function on Saturday.

A campaign aide said The Apprentice star spoke for 45 minutes to his 117 seated guests, who were asked to donate as much as $814,600, Politco reports.

The TV star is set to hold another fundraiser in Atlanta on Wednesday.