Donald Trump gave some rare insight into his marriage with Melania at the US Army’s 250th birthday parade on Saturday.

The president was uncharacteristically concise during the military spectacle – a day that also coincided with his 79th birthday.

He was slated to speak to the crowd on the momentous occasion for fifteen minutes, and only spoke for about eight minutes. 

Yet, one of the most interesting things he said was not broadcast for public consumption. 

The Daily Mail’s lip reading expert Nicola Hickling picked up on a tender exchange between the president and first lady.

Trump was seated during the event between his Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and his wife Melania.

Even though Trump was engaged in conversations with Hegseth for a large part of the parade, he showed a different side when interacting with the First Lady, Melania Trump. He momentarily shifted from his role as a firm commander in chief to that of a caring husband during some moments with her.

Toward the end of the parade, Donald turned to Melania checking in: ‘Are you cold?’ Trump asked. 

Melania then warmly replied: ‘No, I’m okay.’ Donald followed by giving a small nod of acknowledgment.

President Donald Trump and first lady Melania Trump were present at a military parade honoring the Army’s 250th anniversary, which coincided with the President’s 79th birthday. The event took place on Saturday, June 14, 2025, in Washington.

In attendance at a celebration commemorating the Army’s 250th birthday on the National Mall in Washington on June 14, 2025, were Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth, President Donald Trump, and First Lady Melania Trump.

President Donald Trump and First Lady Melania Trump walk on stage during a celebration of the Army’s 250th birthday 

Body language expert Judi James told the Daily Mail that Melania’s touch rituals with Trump Saturday could be seen as a sign of her having a more assertive and even at times dominant role in the relationship. 

She called Melania’s hand on his thigh ‘not only affectionate but also a dominant ritual.’

‘Interestingly it got its non-verbal reply later from Trump when he reciprocated by placing his hand on her thigh or lap three time while he was talking,’ she went on.

Trump walked out to make his speech side-by-side with Melania. 

His gestures at this point even suggested an ‘air of humility,’ she continued.

‘Offering a small air-punch, his chin crumpled in a smile of modesty as a signal of awe for the troops he had been watching.’

James said that Melania’s ‘second soft-power gesture’ came as she patted Trump on the back. 

The president squeezed her hand and shook it slightly in a ‘gesture of appreciation’ after she re-joined him onstage following his remarks.

‘Melania’s curt nod to end the pose again suggested a new air of control and she seemed to pull at Trump’s hand behind the lectern as though communicating via a tie-sign.’

James said that Melania’s ‘most intimate’ gestures toward Trump came during the parade. 

‘When she took the hand away, she placed it back onto his thigh again for a second gesture of what would normally be seen as loving intimacy.’

James also told the Daily Mail that Trump could’ve been slyly downplaying his status during the parade as a response to accusations from protesters that he thinks of himself as a king or a dictator.

U.S. President Donald Trump waves next to first lady Melania Trump following the military parade to commemorate the U.S. Army’s 250th Birthday, on the day of U.S. President Donald Trump 79th birthday, in Washington, D.C., U.S., June 14, 2025

‘His jacket is unbuttoned which looks decidedly casual as he stands between a military audience and his air-fist ritual as he walks on looks like a tempered version of a victory salute to the crowds,’ James said.

She noted that the first lady on the other hand, opted for a more formal attire in a cream, double-breasted, tailored power suit.

James argued that Trump’s typical suit was an effort to distinguish himself from the military personnel at the parade.

The president spoke for an uncharacteristically short eight minutes, but in doing so delivered a stern warning to America’s enemies.

Secretary of the Army Daniel Driscoll, Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth, President Donald Trump and First Lady Melania Trump (L to R) watch the US Army’s 250th Anniversary Parade in Washington, DC, on Saturday, June 14, 2025

US President Donald Trump and First Lady Melania Trump watch fireworks after the Army 250th Anniversary Parade in Washington, DC on June 14, 2025.

‘There is no earthly force more powerful than the brave heart of the U.S. military or an Army Ranger paratrooper or Green Beret,’ Trump told the Saturday crowd, sprawled far out onto the National Mall surrounding the Washington Monument.

There were fears ahead of Saturday’s event, which coincided with Trump’s 79th birthday, that the evening parade would have to be postponed or scrapped if there was lightning in the area.

While the president is used to packed crowds for his rallies, the attendance for Saturday’s parade wasn’t overwhelming. 

Attendees had plenty of space on the National Mall to spread out. 

The evening ended with a grand fireworks display over the National Mall, which was timed to a number of patriotic songs.