WASHINGTON, D.C. – President Donald Trump displayed subtle signs of irritation when asked about Elon Musk’s appearance on the cover of Time Magazine, according to body language expert Judi James. The exchange took place during a press conference in the White House’s East Room, with Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba as Trump’s guest.
The Question That Sparked a Reaction
A reporter asked Trump for his reaction to the Time Magazine cover showing Elon Musk sitting at the Resolute Desk in the Oval Office. The question was repeated in Japanese for Prime Minister Ishiba, giving Trump a moment to reflect before answering.
Reporter: “Mr. President, do you have a reaction to the new Time Magazine cover that has Elon Musk sitting behind your Resolute Desk?”
Trump’s Verbal Response
Trump initially responded with a wisecrack:
“Is Time Magazine still in business? I didn’t even know that,” Trump quipped.
He then pivoted, offering praise for Musk’s role in uncovering fraud and corruption in various government agencies:
“Elon is doing a great job. He’s finding tremendous fraud and corruption and waste. You see it with the USAID, but you’re going to see it even more so with other agencies and other parts of government.”
Body Language Cues Revealed Inner Displeasure
Non-Verbal Signs of Discomfort
According to James, Trump may have delivered a light-hearted response, but his body language told a different story.
- Eye Movement and Facial Expressions:
- During the translation of the question, Trump looked down, avoiding eye contact, suggesting he was preparing himself before answering.
- Once the translation ended, his head snapped up quickly, signaling heightened alertness or irritation.
- His right eye narrowed into a squint, and his mouth hiked up on one side, supporting the sarcastic tone of his joke.
- Mouth and Jaw Movement:
- Trump’s lower teeth jutted forward, and his lips pouted with the outer corners pulled down—classic signs of inner tension or frustration.
- Tone of Voice:
- Although Trump appeared calm and humorous on the surface, the pout and tightened jaw muscles reflected displeasure beneath the humor.
Expert Analysis
“There are several non-verbal cues to imply extreme displeasure here,” James told the Irish Star. “Even though Trump doesn’t rise to the bait directly, his body language reveals a level of irritation, particularly when Musk is mentioned.”
“His wisecrack about Time Magazine is a defensive response, likely meant to downplay Musk’s moment in the spotlight. His facial expressions—such as the narrowing of his eye and lip tension—highlight his internal struggle to maintain composure while addressing the topic.”
Praise for Musk Despite the Subtext
Despite his visible irritation, Trump praised Musk’s leadership, particularly regarding his role in exposing government inefficiencies.
“Elon’s got a fantastic staff,” Trump said. “He’s wanted to be able to do this for a long time, and everybody knew the corruption existed, but never to this extent.”
Trump’s comments come amid Musk’s efforts through the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), where Musk is reportedly leading initiatives to identify and eliminate waste in government spending.
Although Trump publicly praised Musk, body language expert Judi James suggests that the president wasn’t entirely comfortable with the topic, as indicated by his non-verbal cues. His wisecrack, tense jaw, and defensive posture hint at a possible mix of competitiveness and unease over Musk’s high-profile recognition.
This moment highlights how public figures like Trump may carefully manage their words, but their body language often reveals deeper emotions. As Musk continues to gain influence, it remains to be seen how their relationship will evolve publicly.
