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By Carine Harb
Associate Editor, My Turn
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Donald Trump was sworn in as the 47th President of the United States, marking his return to the White House after a four-year absence.
While the Presidential Inauguration—which took place on January 20, 2025—was monumental, some of the public's attention turned to the unspoken dynamics among key figures present, including Trump, Joe Biden, and Kamala Harris.
With the Democratic Party recently facing criticism over leadership and key policy decisions, Trump's return to office presents significant challenges for Democrats as they navigate his presidency and its potential impact on their political agenda.
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The interactions and body language observed during the inauguration have drawn significant interest, potentially offering insights into the underlying dynamics between Trump and Democratic leaders.
To explore this further, Newsweek consulted body language experts to analyze key moments from the event, helping unpack the subtle, unspoken cues exchanged during the ceremony.
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From Susan Constantine: Kamala Harris' Suppressed Negative Emotions
The body language between Trump, Harris, and Biden was contentious, stonewalling one another intentionally not to acknowledge or show respect through eye contact, eyebrow glance, or handshake.
All of these are considered nonverbal cold shoulder cues. Harris's face was tense, as she seemed uncomfortable, and she was leaning away from Biden. She appeared to hug the chair to create further distance between her and Biden. Biden appeared lost in space.
During the inauguration, Harris displayed visible signs of deep emotion, taking a deep breath that marked a reflective moment, capturing the gravity of her historical role. However, tension around her mouth revealed an undercurrent of stress or suppressed negative emotions, hinting at the complexity of her feelings during the event. Her facial expressions further illustrated the weight of the moment, adding depth to her poised appearance.
Susan Constantine is a body language expert.
From Mark Bowden: Biden and Harris Demonstrated a Peaceful Transfer of Power
Former President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris' demeanor was measured and reserved throughout the ceremony. While they didn't display the same enthusiasm as Trump's supporters, their presence was significant.
Their decision to attend underscores a commitment to the traditions of American democracy, including the peaceful transfer of power. While they refrained from standing during certain moments of Trump's speech—particularly during rhetorical or policy statements they clearly didn't support—they fulfilled their role by showing respect for the office of the presidency, if not for the individual occupying it.
This nuanced approach reflects their position as leaders of the opposition. Their attendance highlighted the contrast between the two administrations, offering a subtle reminder that while they support the institution, they represent an alternative vision for the country.
The moment was especially poignant given Trump's absence from Biden's inauguration in 2021, a decision fueled by Trump's repeated claims that the 2020 election had been "rigged." By showing up for Trump's inauguration, Biden and Harris demonstrated a commitment to unity and tradition, even as they maintained their stance on policy disagreements.
Their presence sends a clear message: while they may not align with Trump's rhetoric or agenda, they respect the presidency as an institution. In a divided political landscape, this act of decorum helps preserve the foundation of mutual respect that underpins American democracy, even amid fierce political differences.
Mark Bowden is a body language expert and author.
From Blanca Cobb: Disapproval and Tension From Biden and Harris
When the Bidens greeted the Trumps, President Biden shook Donald Trump's hand but directed his attention toward Melania. Typically, people maintain eye contact with the person they're shaking hands with until the handshake is complete.
Perhaps, Biden was redirecting his attention to Melania as a way to avoid unease with Trump. Or by focusing his attention on Melania, Biden may have been emphasizing a softer, more personal touch in the interaction, staying away from the more politically charged dynamic between himself and Trump.
During Trump's inauguration speech, Biden and Harris remained seated, hardly clapping or acknowledging his points. Their body language spoke volumes: Harris maintained a sharp, unwavering stare, her arms crossed on her lap, a posture that conveyed disapproval and restrained tension. Meanwhile, Biden's subtle smirk added a layer of quiet disagreement.
Blanca Cobb is a body language expert.
From Dr. Abbie Maroño: Democrats Displayed Discontent
During President Trump's inauguration speech, former President Joe Biden and former Vice President Kamala Harris exhibited signs of discontent. Their smiles appeared forced, with Harris folding her arms defensively and Biden displaying a disinterested demeanor. These nonverbal cues could suggest displeasure with the proceedings.
Abbie Maroño is a Behavioral Scientist.
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