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Critical clue you missed in Donald Trump’s Mar-a-Lago speech

Donald Trump’s speech after his court hearing revealed why the former US president remains unbreakable, a body language expert says.

‘Never Thought It Could Happen’: Trump Addresses Supporters in Mar-a-Lago

Donald Trump’s Mar-a-Lago speech saw him in “fully loaded” mode, the reverse of his exhausted court appearance just hours before, a body language expert says.

The former US president entered the ballroom at his Mar-a-Lago estate like a giant gorilla on the prowl, Dr Louise Mahler said.

He had earlier pleaded not guilty in a New York court to 34 counts of falsifying business records.

Mr Trump’s appearance during his Florida speech was a huge change from his “exhausted and bag-eyed” demeanour at the Manhattan Criminal Court, Dr Mahler said.

Donald Trump makes a fist as he arrives to speak at his Mar-a-Lago estate in Palm Beach. Picture: AFP
Donald Trump makes a fist as he arrives to speak at his Mar-a-Lago estate in Palm Beach. Picture: AFP
Former US president Donald Trump appears unstoppable, says a body language expert. Picture: AFP
Former US president Donald Trump appears unstoppable, says a body language expert. Picture: AFP

Dr Mahler said the 45th president of the United States thrived off the energy of his adoring supporters.

“Trump sucks in this kind of atmosphere and loads it into his very cells like he is filling his power bank,” she said.

Dr Mahler noted how Mr Trump threw his jaw forward and gave the audience a fist pump as he rose to the podium.

“As he begins his speech, that is the first and only time that we see a huge white smile as he settles in to speak with his tell-tale wriggle nestling himself into firing position,” she said.

Donald Trump flashes a bright smile during his speech. Picture: AFP
Donald Trump flashes a bright smile during his speech. Picture: AFP

“Apart from an audible nose breath, this is Trump in total flow. He has thought about this attack, and competently spews out stories, facts and scenarios in an unstoppable succession” Dr Mahler said.

“With every argument seemingly at his fingertips, he is fully energised and convincing and it is hypnotising. The audience begin to feed from his power bank and fill their own.”

Dr Mahler said the former commander-in-chief showed “remarkable power for a man who is clearly, tired, hounded and at 76 years old, seemingly impossible to break”.

Earlier, Dr Mahler said Mr Trump’s appearance in court revealed a man preparing for war.

Analysing a series of photographs taken during Mr Trump’s court appearance, she said Mr Trump appeared “frightened and tired”.

But she added his tightly focused eyes showed he was “still a weapon intent upon striking back against his enemies”.

‘ORDEAL HAS EXHAUSTED TRUMP’

Former US president Donald Trump makes his way inside the Manhattan Criminal Courthouse. Picture: AFP
Former US president Donald Trump makes his way inside the Manhattan Criminal Courthouse. Picture: AFP

An image of Mr Trump heading into the Manhattan court is revealing, says Dr Mahler, pointing out how the former commander-in-chief uses his “huge shoulders” to nudge the door open.

“While Trump barely misses a step as he enters the court and holds a strong eye gaze, you can see this ordeal is having an effect and has exhausted him, likely the effect from the drip, drip, drip of constant attacks,” she said.

“There is no love for Trump as the guards entered the court ahead of Trump, they never look back and let the heavy door swing back against and no courtesies from authorities, as Trump uses his huge shoulders to nudge the door open.”

‘EYES LIKE GUIDED MISSILES’

Donald Trump’s jaw was tightly held as he sat in court. Picture: AFP
Donald Trump’s jaw was tightly held as he sat in court. Picture: AFP

“Once in court one sees Trump has a tightly held jaw and stiff body. His eyes seem tired, swollen and heavily bagged.

“His unblinking eyeballs peak out, reminding me of guided missiles poking through the slits of a tower,” Dr Mahler said.

‘PREPARING FOR WAR’

The former US president is ready for war, says Dr Louise Mahler. Picture: AFP
The former US president is ready for war, says Dr Louise Mahler. Picture: AFP
Donald Trump’s eyes are like “guided missiles”, the body language expert says. Picture: AFP
Donald Trump’s eyes are like “guided missiles”, the body language expert says. Picture: AFP

“Trump is a man preparing for war,” Dr Mahler said.

“His eyes are tightly focused, unblinking, shifting right slowly and holding, giving the impression that while this man is down, he is still a weapon, a frightened and tired weapon, but a weapon intend upon striking back against his enemies.”

‘TIRED BUT DEFIANT’

The former US president is a fighter. Picture: AFP
The former US president is a fighter. Picture: AFP

Dr Mahler said Mr Trump would not go down without a fight.

“Tired but defiant, Trump is ready for whatever comes next and given his history this is going to be one wild ride for the US,” she said.

Originally published as Critical clue you missed in Donald Trump’s Mar-a-Lago speech

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Original URL: https://www.thechronicle.com.au/news/world/preparing-for-war-what-trumps-body-language-reveals/news-story/913931432ffb3bf91250fdd2cc4bce1a