Donald Trump made history as the first sitting U.S. president to attend the NBA Finals. Fans were informed ahead of time that he would be present at Game 3 of the finals between the New York Knicks and the San Antonio Spurs at Madison Square Garden. As a native New Yorker and lifelong Knicks enthusiast, Trump was no stranger to the courtside seats, where he frequently showed support for his favorite team before stepping into the Oval Office.
However, Trump’s transition from a prominent New York businessman and real estate mogul to the presidency brought additional security measures to ensure his safety at the event. This heightened security resulted in longer queues for fans entering the arena and led to the cancellation of outdoor watch parties that usually accompany such events.
When Trump’s image appeared on the Jumbotron during the National Anthem, the audience’s reaction was one of mixed emotions, predominantly boos. According to a body language expert, this reaction was likely not anticipated by the president.
President Trump ‘shocked’ that he was booed
Inbaal Honigman, renowned for her expertise in astrology and body language analysis, has been a familiar face in media circles for over two decades. Her insights have been featured in various platforms, including Big Brother’s Little Brother, Elle Magazine, and talkSPORT radio.
Speaking to Showbiz Cheat Sheet on behalf of Casino.org US, Honigman remarked, “Trump’s expression shifted noticeably upon hearing the booing, indicating his surprise. As the National Anthem played at Madison Square Garden, he brought his hand to his brow in salute, raising his chin with a closed-lip smile that conveyed a sense of subdued confidence. By standing tall during the salute, he aimed to project an image of authority.”
Speaking on behalf of Casino.org US, Honigman told Showbiz Cheat Sheet, “Trump’s facial expression quickly switches when he notices the booing, which suggests surprise … As the National Anthem starts to play at Madison Square Garden, the president raises his hand to his brow and salutes. He raises his chin proudly and smiles with his lips closed, in an expression that sends out a message of quiet confidence. Stretching himself to his full height at the moment of saluting, he wants to create an impression of authority.”
Honigman continued, “This impression is only a facade, however, because Trump’s body can be seen rising and falling, as he’s lightly rocking back and forth on the balls of his feet. This rocking is a soothing move, calming his nerves as all eyes are on him. Easing his tension, his calm smile shines, but he is not prepared for what comes next.
“When he hears the big boos, Trump’s smile changes completely, and suddenly. This instant, sudden change is the proof that he wasn’t expecting the boos, and he’s caught off guard, unable to maintain the show of confidence. It is the swiftness of the change which indicates the immediate shock.”
Did the president fall asleep during the game?
There’s also been some debate online about whether Trump actually fell asleep during the game. According to Honigman, he did.
She noted, “His ‘dropped’ face is a dead giveaway. The president’s facial muscles are usually engaged in some or another distinct expression. Whether he is smiling or frowning, any expression at all would be a clue of wakefulness. But here, as all his muscles are relaxed, he is almost certainly in the land of nod.
“Trump’s clasped hands and forward-rolled shoulders create a self-supporting oval cocoon, much like a baby in a car seat … In addition, eagle-eyed viewers will be able to see that his breathing is very deep and regular. Trump’s chest rises and falls rhythmically, which points to a stage of complete relaxation.”
The expert added, “The moment of waking up is evident, as the president jumps, stretches his back, and adopts a new, focused facial expression, perhaps hoping that his previous facial arrangement wasn’t too dazed. He appears startled, moving quickly and glancing from side to side, to check whether anyone has noticed.”
Showbiz Cheat Sheet acknowledges that conditions and cultures can impact body language and is sensitive to all backgrounds.