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Expert Decodes “Hidden Meaning” Behind Barron Trump’s Strange Hand Gesture At Inauguration
Expert Decodes “Hidden Meaning” Behind Barron Trump’s Strange Hand Gesture At Inauguration
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Expert Decodes “Hidden Meaning” Behind Barron Trump’s Strange Hand Gesture At Inauguration

Interview With Expert

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Barron Trump, the President’s youngest son, caught the attention of many viewers after they noticed the peculiar gesture he made with his hands during his father’s inauguration.

Putting his fingers together while sitting, the 18-year-old reminded viewers of “Mr. Burns,” the infamous The Simpsons character who made the gesture famous.

Highlights
  • Barron made a peculiar hand gesture resembling 'Mr. Burns' from The Simpsons.
  • The gesture is meant to express authority and confidence.
  • Experts say Barron's serious demeanor is a defense mechanism against media scrutiny.

“It’s called the ‘politician’s steeple,’” explained body language expert Darren Stanton.

The gesture, Stanton said, is usually made by people who feel they are in a position of authority at a particular moment. It is not, he added, meant to convey a sense of superiority, but an evaluation of one’s surroundings and the implications they have on one’s goals.

Viewers have long been paying attention to Barron’s behavior, noting how he seemed remarkably serious and unenthused at his father’s celebration.

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    Body language experts analyzed Barron Trump’s body language, revealing the hidden messages behind his “serious” attitude

    Barron Trump in a suit at the inaugurationt, surrounded by people.

    Image credits: Tom Brenner/Getty Images

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    “He never smiles or talks. Did Elon build him?” one user joked. 

    For instance, when Donald Trump announced his intention to “plant a flag on mars,” SpaceX CEO, Elon Musk, jumped and applauded in excitement while Barron, who was seated in front of him, looked completely unimpressed.

    According to the expert, his attitude doesn’t stem from a lack of interest in the events transpiring around him, it’s instead a defense mechanism to protect his image.

    Barron Trump sits on a white chair at the inauguration, waving.

    Image credits: Justin Sullivan/Getty Images

    Barron Trump has spent most of his life in the spotlight, and has been made keenly aware of the effect the media has on a politician’s day-to-day activities.

    Standing at 6’7, the 18-year-old can’t help but draw the attention of people and cameras wherever he goes. According to the expert, his body language is both a show of quiet confidence, and an acknowledgement that his every move is constantly scrutinized.

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    Barron Trump in a suit making a significant hand gesture during an inaugural event.

    Image credits: CV__Politics

    With his role continuing to grow within the Trump family’s public life, seemingly small gestures will continue to be analyzed, offering clues to his demeanor and the man he is growing up to be.

    “Let’s hope he literally grows up to be a decent guy,” a netizen wrote.

    Public figures, such as politicians and celebrities, must constantly monitor their body language, as it can unintentionally convey unwanted messages

    Illustration of a hand gesture, fingers touching, symbolizing hidden meaning in a red outfit on a pink background.

    Image credits: INEOS Hygienics

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    “Public personalities at highly televised events such as an inauguration are not seen as people, but as characters,” Ruby Figueroa, a theater actress and body language teacher with more than 20 years of experience, told Bored Panda.

    Donald Trump in a dark suit sitting and speaking in front of a cityscape backdrop on a talk show set.

    Image credits: The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon

    “We are constantly communicating with our bodies whether we like it or not, and the same is true for politicians and celebrities,” she said. “The difference is that their moves are being recorded, televised, and scrutinized.”

    Barron Trump in formal attire stands at the inauguration, surrounded by applauding attendees.

    Image credits: Sky News Australia

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    For Figueroa, Barron’s stoic and reserved demeanor diminishes the chances of him becoming meme-fodder, a fact that’s been evidenced by figures such as Elon Musk, Mark Zuckerberg, and Lauren Sánchez during the ceremony.

    Musk, in particular, got into trouble after a particular gesture he made—bumping the side of his chest where his heart was and then extending his arm—which was interpreted as a World War 2 salute by his detractors.

    “Just as public speakers are careful with their words, so must they be with their movements,” the actress added.

    “He seems so serious.” Netizens continued to be intrigued by Barron Trump’s stoic and composed persona

    "Comment on Barron Trump's hand gesture and its hidden meaning during inauguration.

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    "Kathey Parker comments on a hand gesture, expressing understanding and defending behavior at an inauguration.

    Comment on Barron Trump's hand gesture, suggesting body movements often mean nothing.

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    "Comment defends against analyzing Barron Trump's hand gesture for hidden meaning at inauguration.

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    Abel Musa Miño

    Abel Musa Miño

    Writer, Entertainment News Writer

    Read more »

    Born in Santiago, Chile, with a background in communication and international relations, I bring a global perspective to entertainment reporting at Bored Panda. I cover celebrity news, Hollywood events, true crime, and viral stories that resonate across cultures. My reporting has been featured on Google News, connecting international audiences to the latest in entertainment. For me, journalism is about bridging local stories with global conversations, arming readers with the knowledge necessary to make up their own minds. Research is at the core of my work. I believe that well-sourced, factual storytelling is essential to building trust and driving meaningful engagement.

    Read less »
    Abel Musa Miño

    Abel Musa Miño

    Writer, Entertainment News Writer

    Born in Santiago, Chile, with a background in communication and international relations, I bring a global perspective to entertainment reporting at Bored Panda. I cover celebrity news, Hollywood events, true crime, and viral stories that resonate across cultures. My reporting has been featured on Google News, connecting international audiences to the latest in entertainment. For me, journalism is about bridging local stories with global conversations, arming readers with the knowledge necessary to make up their own minds. Research is at the core of my work. I believe that well-sourced, factual storytelling is essential to building trust and driving meaningful engagement.

    What do you think ?
    Jenny
    Community Member
    10 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    He just looks smug and entitled, as is typical of many people with generational wealth.

    Irene Bucior
    Community Member
    10 months ago

    This comment is hidden. Click here to view.

    Oh, yeah, what a stupid interpretation of an 18 year old going to the umpteenth ceremony he’s had to attend. Typical critical liberal.

    Load More Replies...
    LakotaWolf (she/her)
    Community Member
    10 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    "After all, he's only a kid" - uh, no, no he is not. He is 18. He is legally an adult. His brain may not be fully developed yet (in normal humans, that happens by age 25) but he is NOT "a kid".

    Gwyn
    Community Member
    10 months ago (edited) Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Don't be fooled, he's very much on board with his father's beliefs. It'll come out as soon as he's able to run for office.

    Peter Bear
    Community Member
    10 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I hope not. Up to this point, he's honestly seemed like the only normal one of the entire clan (or should that be klan?).

    Load More Replies...
    Load More Comments
    Jenny
    Community Member
    10 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    He just looks smug and entitled, as is typical of many people with generational wealth.

    Irene Bucior
    Community Member
    10 months ago

    This comment is hidden. Click here to view.

    Oh, yeah, what a stupid interpretation of an 18 year old going to the umpteenth ceremony he’s had to attend. Typical critical liberal.

    Load More Replies...
    LakotaWolf (she/her)
    Community Member
    10 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    "After all, he's only a kid" - uh, no, no he is not. He is 18. He is legally an adult. His brain may not be fully developed yet (in normal humans, that happens by age 25) but he is NOT "a kid".

    Gwyn
    Community Member
    10 months ago (edited) Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Don't be fooled, he's very much on board with his father's beliefs. It'll come out as soon as he's able to run for office.

    Peter Bear
    Community Member
    10 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I hope not. Up to this point, he's honestly seemed like the only normal one of the entire clan (or should that be klan?).

    Load More Replies...
    Load More Comments
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