Lip reader reveals what Melania Trump said to Donald to stop ‘awkward’ moment

A lip reader has revealed how Melania Trump helped her husband navigate Pope Francis’s funeral, but the First Lady couldn’t save the US President over his controversial choice of attire for the occasion.

Melania Trump is said to have issued a discreet edict to her husband, Donald Trump, during Pope Francis’s funeral, according to a lip-reading expert.

The US President, was seated in a prominent position near Pope Francis’s coffin, near other global dignitaries such as French President Emmanuel Macron and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky.

Mrs Trump was seemingly directing her husband towards an interaction between Mr Macron and Finnish President Alexander Stubb. Following their whispered exchange, they shared a handshake and a smile for the cameras, with Mr Macron seemingly urging him to maintain the grip.

Donald Trump and Melania Trump (sporting a “Mantilla” veil), arrive for late Pope Francis' funeral ceremony at St Peter's Square in The Vatican. Picture: AFP

Amid this, Mrs Trump leaned towards her husband to give him a strategic bit of advice with lip-reading specialist Jeremy Freeman telling the Daily Mail she said, “Donald, look left.”

Upon receiving his wife’s subtle cue, Trump engaged with the dignitaries to his left, including King Felipe VI of Spain, greeting him with “great to see you … great to see you”.

He then greeted Mr Stubb and Mr Macron, saying, “Great to see you Alex, good to see you, how are you doing?”

But Mr Trump drew attention at the funeral for a different reason by wearing a blue suit and tie, at odds with the Vatican’s dress code that required men to wear a dark suit with a black tie, black shoes and socks and a black button on the left lapel.

President Donald Trump, right, French President Emmanuel Macron, left, and Finland's President Alexander Stubb, attend the funeral of Pope Francis. Picture: AP

While Mrs Trump looked typically elegant in her classic Dolce & Gabbana black blazer, pencil skirt and “Mantilla” veil, the US President “stuck out like a sore thumb” due to his decision not to wear black.

“Any reason why Donald Trump is in a blue suit and not wearing traditional black for a funeral?” one commenter asked.

“Looking to be noticed – Trump wears a blue suit while others around him confirm with traditional black,” another said.

France's President Emmanuel Macron, Finland's President Alexander Stubb, US President Donald Trump and his wife Melania Trump at the Pope’s funeral. Picture: AFP

Numerous commentators watching the service expressed shock or anger that Mr Trump eschewed official requests, instead wearing a medium-blue suit and matching tie.

One critic on social media said: “Trump did not even have the decency to wear a black tie, and he wore a blue suit. No respect!!”

Another suggested it showed a lack of “class”, while many said the colour was disrespectful.

Mrs Trump, however, garnered widespread praise for her outfit and she was not the only dignitary to don a veil; Queen Letizia of Spain, Princess Charlotte of Monaco and Australia’s Queen Mary of Denmark all opted to wear black lace veils to the historic occasion.

Melania Trump opted for classic black but her husband’s choice to wear a blue suit caused ire online. Picture: AFP

Queen Letizia of Spain, alongside husband King Felipe, went for an elegant look to pay her respects to the former head of the Catholic Church. She wore a black dress with a round neckline and three-quarter-length sleeves.

Like Mrs Trump, the Spanish royal donned a black lace veil, which is worn for symbolic reasons.

Queen Mary, second from right, sat just along from the Trumps. Picture: Getty Images

The traditional black mourning veil, previously worn by royal women at the funeral of a sovereign, conceals one’s face, in order to provide extra privacy.

Mrs Trump is the first practising Catholic in her role since Jackie Kennedy, and said she felt “honoured” to be able to attend the pontiff’s funeral.

Queen Mary also opted for a lace veil. Picture: Getty Images

Spain's Queen Letizia, with King Felipe VI, also donned a veil. Picture: AP

Monaco's Princess Charlene, with husband Prince Albert, also wore a veil at the funeral of Pope Francis. Picture: AP

Brigitte Macron was typically stylish at the funeral of Pope Francis. Picture: AFP

Queen Mathilde of Belgium, right, arrives for the funeral of Pope Francis in St. Peter's Square. Picture: AP

The Spanish royals joined a host of European royals to commemorate the late Pope. Princess Charlene of Monaco joined Queen Letizia and Mrs Trump in sporting a black dress and veil when arriving with her husband Prince Albert.

Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelensky with wife Olena Zelenska opted for his signature utilitarian look. Picture: AP

Prince William went for a traditional mourning suit. Picture: AFP

Elsewhere, Ukrainian President Volodymr Zelensky kept with his utilitarian vibe by donning a black military style jacket and boots, the type of attire he has worn consistently since the Russian invasion in February 2022.

Prince William also raised eyebrows by wearing a navy suit although, unlike Mr Trump, he did wear a black tie.

Originally published as Lip reader reveals what Melania Trump said to Donald to stop ‘awkward’ moment