Melania Trump looked 'as happy as someone whose husband slept with a porn star' during State of the Union address
The first lady remained glued to her seat when Trump spoke about family.
Melania Trump's every facial twitch and body language at her husband's first State of the Union address to Congress on Tuesday (30 January) has been forensically analysed - and many observers think she seemed pretty unhappy.
The first lady did not rise with others in the audience when Trump spoke about family. "In America we know that faith and Family, not government and bureaucracy are the centre of Democracy," he said.
Melania also remained glued to her seat after Trump stated, "Americans are dreamers, too", while discussing immigration, with many pointing out she was an immigrant herself. The line was also divisive as it played off the ongoing efforts to reach a deal on the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals programme, with its participants known as Dreamers. Trump said: "My duty and the sacred duty of every elected official in this chamber is to defend Americans, to protect their safety, their families, their communities and their right to the American dream."
Ken Bone, a man who became an internet meme after asking a question during the second 2016 presidential election debate, tweeted: "Melania doesn't stand or clap for the "Americans are dreamers too" line! Oof! Maybe don't make immigrant jokes when you're married to one."
Anyone catch this? Melania Trump failed to stand with everyone else when Trump stated:
— Brian Krassensteinð¬ (@krassenstein) January 31, 2018
"In America we know that faith and Family, not government and bureaucracy are the the center of Democracy"#SOTU #StateofOurUnion pic.twitter.com/lrsuVdWD48
It was also speculated that her all-white pantsuit followed in the footsteps of the Democratic women who wore the colour to Trump's first address to Congress in 2017 as a display of resistance. Could Melania be quietly conveying the same message? The white pantsuit also bore a striking resemblance to outfits worn by Hillary Clinton numerous times during her presidential campaign and at Trump's inauguration.
Melania Trump in suffragette white. ð¤£#SOTU#StateOfOurUnion pic.twitter.com/W2MU6vUIcq
— Holly Figueroa O'Reilly (@AynRandPaulRyan) January 31, 2018
So it looks like Trump plagiarized a phrase from a speech by Hillary ("New American Moment") and Melania plagiarized her pantsuit. Not sure what to make of it. pic.twitter.com/ZgskuoGNvI
— HRC persists ð (@HRCpersists) January 31, 2018
Melania's white suit is reminiscent of the white that was the Democratic women's color of choice last year -- they wore a color associated with the suffragette movement to show support for policies such as equal pay for equal work.
— Siobhan Hughes (@siobhanehughes) January 31, 2018
As well as arriving separately from her husband, ostensibly to accompany the group of heroes and survivors she sat alongside, Melania kept a very serious and straight face throughout the address, as noted by many Twitter users. One said she had agreed to "show up but not smile".
If eyes could speak, Melania Trumpâs eyes are saying F-you to The President tonight! #SOTU #StateOfTheUnion
— Ed Krassenstein (@EdKrassen) January 31, 2018
1. Melania wore Suit Pants to #sotu
— Pesach 'Pace' Lattin ⺠(@pacelattin) January 31, 2018
2. She came in another car not from the WH but a hotel in DC.
3. She did not bring Barron
4. She did not stand when Trump talked about Family.
You don't think she's silently saying something?
Has any President ever stood at podium and, literally, applauded for himself the way this orange trained seal does? Melania agreed to show up but not smile. If only her look could kill....Trump would be a dead man.
— keith hall (@kfhall0852) January 31, 2018
Melania was met with a warm and honest standing ovation when she entered the gallery. She displayed a sincere smile and appreciation.
— Ken Pa ð¤my secret memoð¤ (@KennethHeer) January 31, 2018
When Trump entered she looked drained & appalled. The smile left her face and she looked beaten down, & rigid.
Some mentioned Trump's alleged Stormy Daniels affair as the possible reason for Melania's glum features.
Melania Trump looks as happy as someone whose husband slept with a porn star while she was pregnant... #SOTU
— Matt Fine (@mattyfine) January 31, 2018
Some, including A-lister Will Arnett, simply shared photos or video clips of Melania's stern face as she applauded.
— Will Arnett⢠(@arnettwill) January 31, 2018
Melania looks happy. pic.twitter.com/kgKnW580vg
— Lauren Werner ð½ (@LaurenWern) January 31, 2018
It was also a running joke that Melania had recently listened to Lemonade, Beyonce's 2016 album lauded for its feminist message.
Itâs apparent somebody let Melania listen to Lemonade.
— Bakari Sellers (@Bakari_Sellers) January 31, 2018