By Daily Mail (U.S.) | Created at 2024-11-21 11:11:52 | Updated at 2024-11-23 22:13:37
2 days ago
Donald Trump and Elon Musk's 'bromance' has captivated the world, with the once MAGA critic having now earned a seat at the Trump family table after becoming a close ally and playing a pivotal in the Republican's election victory.
Musk, 53, was awarded 'uncle' status by Trump's granddaughter Kai, who this election cycle became the newest GOP sweetheart, and has routinely joined the family for meals.
The tech tycoon has spent 'nearly every day' since Election Day at the president-elect's Mar-a-Lago estate in Florida and has been constantly by Trump's side, even accompanying him during his recent travels to New York City and Washington DC.
Musk has joined Trump, 78, on calls with world leaders and, as a member of the administration's transition team, has weighed in on staffing decisions.
But body language expert Judi James warns there could be a 'power battle brewing' if Trump no longer wants to share the spotlight with his so-called First Buddy and Musk refuses to 'back down from this political honeymoon period'.
James, noting how 'Trump is not a natural 'sharer' in terms of a center stage', has analyzed the pair's 'curiously unorthodox-looking bromance' and said their body language 'appears to be trying to settle into some sort of parent/child norm' that will offer their relationship 'some kind of anchor'.
'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, noting how the billionaire was 'even invited into the Trump family line-up photo after the election success, posing with his child like a star relative'.
'In power terms the two men are formidable heavyweights but it's Elon looking the more excitable and in awe 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 and Elon appears keen to push that proximity.'
Donald Trump and Elon Musk 's 'bromance' has captivated the world, but body language expert Judi James warns there could be a 'power battle brewing' if Trump no longer wants to share the spotlight with his so-called First Buddy and Musk refuses to 'back down from this political honeymoon period'. Trump and Musk are pictured Tuesday at a SpaceX launch
SCHOOL OPEN HOUSE
Donald Trump watched Elon Musk's SpaceX Starship launch above Texas on Tuesday, accompanied by top MAGA allies and his granddaughter Kai Trump.
The president-elect, 78, listened intently as the Tesla billionaire explained how his rockets worked before watching the largest in his fleet take off on the horizon.
It may appear that Trump let Musk take the spotlight this week, but body language expert Judi James said the interaction 'looks very much like the science lab on parent's open day at school'.
'Musk talks using signals of excitement while Trump adopts a demeanor of solemn pomposity with his raised chin, his down-turned oxbow mouth and his rocking onto his heels to suggest authority,' she told DailyMail.com.
'Musk looks keen for parental-style approval here with his fingers forming a steepling gesture, pressing together so tightly they look white.'
Trump, 78, listened intently on Tuesday as Musk explained how his rockets worked before watching the largest in his fleet take off on the horizon. It may appear that Trump let Musk take the spotlight, but body language expert Judi James said the interaction 'looks very much like the science lab on parent's open day at school'
'AWKWARD' EMBRACE
Musk greeted Trump as he arrived at SpaceX's south Texas site on Tuesday, ahead of the Starship launch.
The pair, walking towards each other on a dock, extend their arms for a handshake, before Musk goes for a hug which Trump quickly dismissed with a pat on his arm.
Body language expert Judi James, who analyzed their embrace, said it 'signals a currently undefined relationship as far as power parameters are concerned'.
'It looks exploratory and a little awkward with Musk possibly pushing it too far in terms of friendship signals,' she explained.
'Trump pushes his hand out for a shake as they approach and then pats Elon on his free arm. Elon seems to take this for an invite to hug, leaning in for a kiss on the cheek that sees Trump patting his arm quickly in what is usually a signal to 'break'.'
Body language expert Judi James, who described Musk as appearing to 'chat excitedly', said Trump patting the Tesla billionaire on the back is once again his attempt to establish a parent-child dynamic
'PARENTAL' PAT ON THE BACK
Trump seemingly tried to assert his dominance over Musk several times during Tuesday's launch.
Musk was seen smiling and chatting to Trump as they walked to towards the tent where they would be stationed during the launch.
Trump, sporting his iconic red MAGA hats, then pats Musk on the back as he listens to what the tech tycoon is saying.
Body language expert Judi James, who described Musk as appearing to 'chat excitedly', said the interaction once again appears to establish a parent-child dynamic.
'Trump gives him a paternal looking 'approval' pat on the back to register control,' she said.
'TEENAGE' OUTBURST
The billionaire Tesla founder also joined the President-elect at a UFC event in New York City last Saturday.
Musk was seen scrolling on his phone as he sat next to Trump before suddenly erupting into laughter, covering his face with his hand as he cackled dramatically.
But a straight-faced Trump, who was looking away, didn't react to Musk's sudden outburst. Instead, he pointed towards the ring, seeming to direct the businessman's attention back to the fight.
The encounter furthers Trump's attempt to establish an almost parental-like relationship with Musk, body language expert Judi James told DailyMail.com.
'When the two men sit together there is still a dad-and-teenager vibe as Elon seems to be studying his screen closely before chuckling at it in the way teens do before their parents tell them to not bring their phone to the dinner table,' she added.
The billionaire Tesla founder also 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 to perform a bizarre rendition of God Bless America during a party at Mar-a-Lago last week.
The performance came after Trump, accompanied by his billionaire First Buddy, flew to DC to chat with President Joe Biden face-to-face.
The duo returned to a hero's welcome at the 'Winter White House' last Wednesday and made surprise appearance at the A1Policy conference and joined Macchio as he belted out the patriotic classic. Musk appeared to mime the lyrics.
Body language expert Judi James said: 'Their on-stage karaoke, standing on either side of the opera singer, shows a rather awkward-looking Musk looking to Trump to take his cues before mirroring his gestures as he mimes to the song.
'By leading the gesticulation as Musk mirrors him, Trump seems to establish his natural authority here.'
