Donald Trump and Elon Musk’s unlikely political alliance has drawn global attention. Once a vocal critic of the MAGA movement, the billionaire entrepreneur is now a close Trump ally, a regular presence at the president-elect’s side and a key supporter credited with helping propel the Republican to victory.
Musk, 53, has even been given “uncle” status by Trump’s granddaughter Kai, who emerged as one of the GOP’s most prominent young figures during the election campaign. He has also become a familiar face at Trump family meals.
The Tesla chief has spent “nearly every day” since Election Day at Trump’s Mar-a-Lago estate in Florida. He has remained close to Trump during recent trips to New York City and Washington, DC.
As a member of the incoming administration’s transition team, Musk has joined Trump, 78, on calls with foreign leaders and offered input on potential staffing decisions.
However, body language analyst Judi James cautions that tensions could emerge if Trump decides he no longer wants to share the limelight with his so-called First Buddy—and if Musk is unwilling to “back down from this political honeymoon period.”
James observed that “Trump is not a natural ‘sharer’ in terms of a center stage.” After examining what she called the pair’s “curiously unorthodox-looking bromance,” she said their gestures appear to be settling into a “parent/child norm” that could provide some stability for the relationship.
“We could see a power battle brewing if Musk has no desire to back down from this political honeymoon period and the exalted position he seems to have defined for himself so far,” she told DailyMail.com. She pointed to Musk’s inclusion in a Trump family lineup photo following the election, where he posed with his child “like a star relative.”
“In power terms, the two men are formidable heavyweights, but it’s Elon who looks more excited and awestruck in Trump’s company here,” James added. “It’s clear their brains will probably never connect, but Trump currently seems keen to keep Elon close, while Elon appears eager to reinforce that proximity.”
Donald Trump and Elon Musk’s “bromance” has captivated the world, but body language expert Judi James warns that a “power battle” could develop if Trump no longer wants to share the spotlight with his so-called First Buddy and Musk refuses to retreat from their political honeymoon. Trump and Musk are pictured Tuesday at a SpaceX launch
SCHOOL OPEN HOUSE
Donald Trump watched Elon Musk’s SpaceX Starship launch over Texas on Tuesday alongside senior MAGA allies and his granddaughter Kai Trump.
The president-elect, 78, appeared to listen closely as the Tesla billionaire explained the mechanics of his rockets before the largest vehicle in his fleet lifted off on the horizon.
Although Trump appeared to give Musk the lead during the event, body language expert Judi James said the scene looked “very much like the science lab on parents’ open day at school.”
“Musk talks with signals of excitement, while Trump adopts an air of solemn pomposity, raising his chin, turning down the corners of his mouth and rocking back on his heels to project authority,” she told DailyMail.com.
“Musk looks keen for parental-style approval here, with his fingers held in a steepling gesture and pressed together so tightly that they appear white.”
Trump, 78, listened intently Tuesday as Musk described how his rockets work before watching the largest in his fleet launch into the distance. While Trump appeared to let Musk take center stage, body language expert Judi James said the exchange looked “very much like the science lab on parents’ open day at school”
“AWKWARD” EMBRACE
Musk welcomed Trump to SpaceX’s site in southern Texas on Tuesday ahead of the Starship launch.
As the two men approached each other on a dock, they initially moved in for a handshake. Musk then attempted to turn the greeting into a hug, but Trump quickly cut it short with a pat on his arm.
After reviewing the exchange, body language expert Judi James said it revealed a relationship whose power dynamics remain “undefined.”
“It looks exploratory and slightly awkward, with Musk possibly pushing the friendship signals too far,” she explained.
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“Trump extends his hand for a handshake as they approach and then pats Elon’s free arm. Elon appears to interpret that as an invitation to hug, leaning in for a cheek kiss. Trump responds by quickly patting his arm—a gesture that is usually a signal to ‘break.’”
Body language expert Judi James, who said Musk appeared to be “chatting excitedly,” described Trump’s pat on the Tesla billionaire’s back as another attempt to establish a parent-child dynamic
“PARENTAL” PAT ON THE BACK
Trump appeared to reinforce his authority over Musk several times during Tuesday’s launch event.
Musk smiled and talked with Trump as the pair walked toward the tent where they would watch the launch.
Wearing his trademark red MAGA hat, Trump then placed a hand on Musk’s back while listening to the tech entrepreneur speak.
James said the exchange, during which Musk appeared to be “chatting excitedly,” again suggested a parent-child relationship.
“Trump gives him a paternal-looking pat of approval on the back to signal control,” she said.
“TEENAGE” OUTBURST
The Tesla founder also joined the president-elect at a UFC event in New York City last Saturday.
Musk was scrolling through his phone while seated beside Trump when he suddenly burst into laughter, covering his face with one hand as he laughed dramatically.
Trump, who was looking away, remained expressionless and did not respond. Instead, he pointed toward the octagon, apparently directing Musk’s attention back to the fight.
The moment further supported the impression of an almost parental relationship between the two men, body language expert Judi James told DailyMail.com.
“When they sit together, there is still a dad-and-teenager vibe,” she said. “Elon appears to study his screen before chuckling at it in the way teenagers do before their parents tell them not to bring their phone to the dinner table.”
The Tesla founder joined the president-elect at a UFC event in New York City last Saturday
ON-STAGE KARAOKE
Trump and Musk joined opera singer Chris Macchio on stage at Mar-a-Lago last week for an unusual rendition of God Bless America.
The performance followed Trump’s trip to Washington, where he flew with his billionaire First Buddy to meet President Joe Biden face-to-face.
The pair returned to the “Winter White House” last Wednesday to a hero’s welcome, made a surprise appearance at the A1Policy conference and joined Macchio as he performed the patriotic standard. Musk appeared to mime along to the lyrics.
Body language expert Judi James said: “Their on-stage karaoke, with the two men standing on either side of the opera singer, shows Musk looking somewhat awkwardly toward Trump for cues before mirroring his gestures as he mouths along to the song.
“By leading the gestures while Musk copies him, Trump appears to reinforce his natural authority.”
