Donald Trump became the first sitting US president to attend NBA finals. It was known in advance that POTUS would attend Game 3 of the Finals between the New York Knicks and the San Antonio Spurs at Madison Square Garden. Trump is a New Yorker and lifelong Knicks fan who, before he became president, could be seen sitting courtside at games over the years cheering on his beloved team.
But times have changed, and Trump is no longer just a well-known businessman and real estate developer in New York. His presence also meant even more thorough security checks to enter MSG, creating longer lines for fans entering the arena and canceling watch parties outside the venue.
When Trump was shown on the Jumbotron during the national anthem, much of the audience erupted into boos. Now a body language expert says it was not at all what the president expected.
President Trump ‘shocked’ that he was booed
Inbaal Honigman is a celebrity astrologer and body language expert. Appearing in the media for more than 20 years, she has offered her expertise and perspectives on current events and popular culture to several outlets, including Big brother’s little brotherElle Magazine and talkSPORT radio, to name a few.
Speaking on behalf of Casino.org USAHonigman told the Showbiz Cheat Sheet, “Trump’s facial expression changes rapidly when he notices the boo, suggesting surprise… As the national anthem begins to play in Madison Square Garden, the president raises his hand to his forehead and salutes. He proudly raises his chin and smiles with closed lips, in an expression of a sense of confidence that sends a quiet message to himself at full height. By the salute, he wants to create an impression of authority.”
Honigman continued, “However, this impression is only a facade, as Trump’s body can be seen rising and falling as he lightly rocks back and forth on the balls of his feet. This rocking is a calming move that calms his nerves as all eyes are on him. Relieves his tension, his calm smile does not shine, but he is not prepared for what comes next.”
“When he hears the big boos, Trump’s smile changes completely, and suddenly. This immediate, sudden change is evidence that he did not expect the Boo, and he is caught off guard, unable to maintain his confidence. It is the rapidity of the change that indicates the immediate shock.”
Did the president fall asleep during the game?
There has also been some debate online about whether Trump actually fell asleep during the game. According to Honigman, he did.
She noted, “His ‘fallen’ face is a dead giveaway. The president’s facial muscles are usually engaged in some distinct expression. Whether he’s smiling or frowning, any expression at all would be a clue to alertness. But here, with all his muscles relaxed, he’s almost certainly in nod land.”
“Trump’s clenched 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, indicating a stage of complete relaxation.”
The expert added: “The moment of awakening is evident as the president jumps, straightens his back and assumes a new, focused facial expression, perhaps hoping that his previous facial arrangement was not too dazed. He appears startled, moves quickly and looks from side to side to check if anyone has noticed.”
The Showbiz Cheat Sheet recognizes that relationships and cultures can influence body language and is sensitive to all backgrounds.
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