Barron Trump Comforts Dad Donald At Grandma Amalija's Funeral, Body Language Expert Claims
Donald Trump, Melania Trump and Barron Trump were all spotted together at the funeral of Melania's mom.
While mourning the passing of Amalija Knavs, the Trumps put on a united front at her funeral on Thursday. Through rarely seen in public, Barron, 17, was photographed with his dad at the event, and he has noticeably grown taller -- even taller than his father.
Judi James, a leading communication and body language expert who has appeared regularly on BBC News, Sky News, GB News and CNN, commented on the father and son sighting and said the younger Trump tried to comfort Donald, as seen in photographs showing the former seemingly reaching out to the latter.
Former US President Donald Trump and his son Barron Trump attend the funeral of former first lady Melania Trump's mother Amalija Knavs, at Bethesda-by-the-Sea Church, in Palm Beach, Florida, on January 18, 2024.
"It elicits an unusual response from their son Barron, too. Clearly tuned into his father's mood, he extends a hand in what looks like a mimed or truncated embrace that could suggest a desire to show comfort and/or support," the body language expert told Mirror of Barron's gestures captured on camera.
James noted that the funeral was a tough time for the family. It was also visible that the former president was grieving over the passing of his mother-in-law.
Former US President Donald Trump (2R), his wife Melania Trump (L) their son Barron Trump (R) and father-in-law Viktor Knavs (2L), attend a funeral for Amalija Knavs, the former first lady's mother, at the Church of Bethesda-by-the-Sea, in Palm Beach, Florida, on January 18, 2024.
"This is an unusual display of emotion from Trump, who appears to be mourning Melania's mother as a personal loss," James added at how Trump acted at the funeral. "Trump seems to have adopted a pose similar to his wife Melania here, looking much more vulnerable than usual, with his arms falling to the front of his torso and a reflective-looking frown on his face."
Trump, who recently won the Iowa caucus, acknowledged Amalija and her husband, Viktor Knavs, as good parents not just to Melania but to him and their son, Barron, in his victory speech.
Former US President Donald Trump (center right) stands with his wife Melania Trump (2L) their son Barron Trump (center left) and father-in-law Viktor Knavs, as the coffin carrying the remains of Amalija Knavs, the former first lady's mother, is carried into the Church of Bethesda-by-the-Sea for her funeral, in Palm Beach, Florida, on January 18, 2024.
"She was amazing, so I just want to thank [her for] what she's done for our family and her husband, who's home right now and very lonely. He's a lonely man, but he's going to be okay, Viktor. They're great people, great parents to all of us, really," Trump said of his in-laws.
He even credited Barron's height to Amalija. The businessman-turned-politician said his youngest son only ate Amalija's food, so he grew quite tall.
Former US President Donald Trump (R) stands with his wife Melania Trump (2L) their son Barron Trump (C) and father-in-law Viktor Knavs, at the start of a funeral for Amalija Knavs, the former first lady's mother, outside the Church of Bethesda-by-the-Sea, in Palm Beach, Florida, on January 18, 2024.
Melania previously missed the Trump family's Christmas and New Year's Eve celebrations because she was attending to her ailing mom at the time. The former first lady announced her mom's passing last week on social media, and people showered her with prayers, love and support.
"It is with deep sadness that I announce the passing of my beloved mother, Amalija," Melania wrote on X, formerly Twitter.
"Amalija Knavs was a strong woman who always carried herself with grace, warmth and dignity. She was entirely devoted to her husband, daughters, grandson and son-in-law. We will miss her beyond measure and continue to honor and love her legacy."
