People quickly noticed Melania Trump’s reaction to Donald Trump’s recent comment about another woman. On December 11, during the White House’s Congressional Ball, Trump praised the wife of Rep. Steve Scalise for crying when he was shot in 2017, saying, “Her tears showed she loved him dearly.” He then added, “I know many wives who would not even be crying,” prompting laughter from the crowd.
Melania stood silently to the side, maintaining a straight face throughout. Social media users pointed out her stone-faced expression, with one noting, “She appears to be stone-faced,” and another saying, “Sometimes silence is the loudest commentary.” Many found her reaction telling, with comments like “WTF!” and “Her face said it all.”
Body language expert Judi James analyzed Melania’s expression, suggesting her blank look was a deliberate “poker face” to avoid revealing her true feelings. She explained that showing emotion might have led to speculation—either she was amused or annoyed—so her neutral expression was a strategic choice. James said, “If she laughed, it could be seen as agreement; if she scowled, as annoyance,” but a blank face prevents interpretations.
James concluded that Melania’s calmness was likely a calculated move, as her expression leaves viewers to project their own narratives. In a moment of potential controversy, her poker face served to maintain composure and avoid giving away any emotional reaction.