First Lady Melania Trump encouraged the president to begin shaking hands with other world leaders during Pope Francis’ funeral on Saturday.
At one point during the three-hour Catholic Mass, participants were invited to wave to each other and share a “sign of peace.”
“Donald, look left,” Melania whispered, according to forensic lip reader Jeremy Freeman.
Following the lead of the First Lady, Trump turned his eyes to Estonian President Allah Karis and King of Spain, Philip VI, waving, “It’s great to see you, it’s great to see you,” Freeman said.
Turning his eyes to the right, the video showed that Trump sought a long, firm handshake with Finnish President Alexander Stubb before smashing a hand with French President Emmanuel Macron.
Trump and Macron did not speak between their hands. Handshakes have become an infamous ritual between powerful pairs.
Instead, Trump appears to turn his gaze back to Stubb, even before he finishes shaking his hand with Macron, according to footage of the encounter.
“Alex, I’m happy to meet you. I’m happy to meet you. How are you?” Trump asked Stubb, according to Freeman.
Trump also met with Ukrainian President Voldy Mil Zelensky inside St. Peter’s Cathedral for nearly 15 minutes of conversation before the funeral.
Images of Saturday’s exchange quickly spread, with the White House calling the meeting “very productive” and Zelensky repeated X’s sentiment to call it a “good meeting.”
Trump had front row seats at the worship service at St. Pete’s Square despite prior speculation that Vatican protocols had them behind powerful archbishops, bishops, cardinals and monarchs.
Trump wore a naval suit and tie, while Melania wore a black lace ensemble.
At another point during the service, Trump asked Melania sweetly, “Are you okay?” she gave a small nod, Freeman said.
“It was a good argument,” the president told his wife, but it is unclear which argument he was referring to.
“It’s fine,” she replied.
“It’s time,” Trump said, to which Melania replied, “Yes, I agree.”
Based in London, Freeman is deaf and has been an expert witness for 16 years in the University of London litigation, police and journalists.
More than 250,000 mourners and foreign delegations from a total of 164 countries gathered to pay tribute to the Argentine Pope, who died on Easter Monday at the age of 88 at his residence in Casa Santa Malta, Vatican.
