A seemingly quiet exchange between Donald and Melania Trump at the U.S. Army’s 250th anniversary parade on June 14, 2025, turned into a moment of public curiosity after a lip reader shared a private remark. As the couple took the stage in Washington, D.C., amid formal ceremonies and a 21-gun salute, Melania gently touched Donald’s back. Lip reader Jeremy Freeman claims Trump responded with a soft, “Thank you, baby,” before stepping up to speak.

While some viewed it as a rare affectionate gesture, body language expert Judi James interpreted the interaction differently. She noted signs of subtle tension, including Melania’s rigid posture and formal demeanor. Still, the two shared a brief hand-hold early in the event.

Trump appeared more casual, unbuttoning his jacket and using relaxed gestures — possibly to distance himself from criticisms of authoritarian behavior. His salute and restrained air-punches were seen as efforts to strike a balance between command and connection.

Another lip reader, Nicola Hickling, caught Melania complimenting the parade: “They’re good.” Trump replied jokingly, “I pushed my finger on one of them,” prompting her playful correction: “You didn’t do that.”