A recent flurry of public commentary has once again put former President Donald Trump in the spotlight, this time concerning his seemingly unusual remarks about his press secretary, Karoline Leavitt. The discourse centers on a particular description of Leavitt’s lips, which has drawn widespread attention and prompted a detailed analysis from a prominent body language expert.
During a recent interview, Trump lauded Leavitt’s steadfast loyalty and professional contributions, expressing that she had truly emerged as a “star.” His commendation, however, took an unexpected turn as he elaborated on her qualities, stating, “It’s that face. It’s that brain. It’s those lips, the way they move. They move like she’s a machine gun.” This specific articulation immediately became a point of contention and public fascination.
Weighing in on the former president’s “creepy” statement, renowned body language expert Judi James offered a pointed critique. James highlighted that such a personal assessment, particularly concerning physical attributes like “those lips,” is uncharacteristic of Trump’s usual public appraisals when discussing the merits of other political figures or colleagues.
James meticulously observed Trump’s non-verbal cues during the interview. She noted his lips pursing and a visible display of his lower teeth as he elevated Leavitt to “star” status. Intriguingly, James pointed out that Trump appeared to conflate Leavitt’s aesthetic qualities with her intellectual prowess, mentioning her “face, brain…” directly alongside “those lips.”
The body language expert further delved into Trump’s subsequent attempt to contextualize the “lips” reference. He endeavored to liken their movement to weaponry, specifically “a machine gun,” seemingly to qualify his initial comment. Following this comparison, James detected a distinct “look of affected guilt” on Trump’s face, an expression that added another layer of complexity to his public delivery.
Adding to the peculiar exchange, Trump bizarrely inquired, “is she in the room,” despite having made the comments about Leavitt’s lips directly to the camera. James posited that this question seemed largely irrelevant to the ongoing interview, further contributing to the unusual nature of his verbal and non-verbal communication during the discussion.
Karoline Leavitt herself boasts a substantial background within Trump’s political orbit. Her experience includes serving as the national press secretary for his 2024 presidential campaign, working as an assistant press secretary and presidential writer during his initial term, and acting as a spokesperson for MAGA Inc., illustrating a deep-rooted professional connection.
Historically, Leavitt achieved a notable milestone by becoming the youngest White House press secretary, surpassing Ronald Ziegler, who held the distinction at age 29 under President Richard Nixon in 1969. This background underscores her significant role and rapid ascent within prominent political communication circles.
The public reaction to such controversial remarks by high-profile figures remains a critical aspect of modern media scrutiny. These instances often spark broader conversations about communication etiquette, public perception, and the intricate dynamics between political leaders and their staff, continuously shaping narratives in the digital age.
