The Biggest Signal in Donald Trump’s Reaction Showed Just How ‘Caught Off Guard’ He Was by Boos at the NBA Finals
Donald Trump became the first sitting U.S. president to attend the NBA Finals. It was known in advance that the POTUS was going to 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 a lifelong Knicks fan who, before he became the president, was 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 get into MSG, which created longer lines for fans entering the arena, and also canceled watch parties outside the venue.
When Trump was shown on the Jumbotron during the National Anthem, much of the crowd erupted in boos. Now, a body language expert says that isn’t what the president expected at all.
President Trump ‘shocked’ that he was booed
Inbaal Honigman is a celebrity astrologer and body language expert. She has appeared in the media for more than 20 years, and she has offered her expertise and perspectives on current events and popular culture for several outlets, including Big Brother’s Little Brother, Elle Magazine, and talkSPORT radio, to name a few.
Speaking on behalf of Casino.org US, Honigman told Showbiz Cheat Sheet, “Trump’s facial expression quickly switches when he notices the booing, which suggests surprise … As the National Anthem starts to play at Madison Square Garden, the president raises his hand to his brow and salutes. He raises his chin proudly and smiles with his lips closed, in an expression that sends out a message of quiet confidence. Stretching himself to his full height at the moment of saluting, he wants to create an impression of authority.”
Honigman continued, “This impression is only a facade, however, because Trump’s body can be seen rising and falling, as he’s lightly rocking back and forth on the balls of his feet. This rocking is a soothing move, calming his nerves as all eyes are on him. Easing his tension, his calm smile shines, but he is not prepared for what comes next.
“When he hears the big boos, Trump’s smile changes completely, and suddenly. This instant, sudden change is the proof that he wasn’t expecting the boos, and he’s caught off guard, unable to maintain the show of confidence. It is the swiftness of the change which indicates the immediate shock.”
Did the president fall asleep during the game?
There’s also been some debate online about whether Trump actually fell asleep during the game. According to Honigman, he did.
She noted, “His ‘dropped’ face is a dead giveaway. The president’s facial muscles are usually engaged in some or another distinct expression. Whether he is smiling or frowning, any expression at all would be a clue of wakefulness. But here, as all his muscles are relaxed, he is almost certainly in the land of nod.
“Trump’s clasped 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, which points to a stage of complete relaxation.”
The expert added, “The moment of waking up is evident, as the president jumps, stretches his back, and adopts a new, focused facial expression, perhaps hoping that his previous facial arrangement wasn’t too dazed. He appears startled, moving quickly and glancing from side to side, to check whether anyone has noticed.”
Showbiz Cheat Sheet acknowledges that conditions and cultures can impact body language and is sensitive to all backgrounds.
