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Lip reader reveals what Donald and Melania Trump ‘said’ during viral ‘intense’ Freedom 250 exchange
Donald and Melania Trump have sparked fresh speculation about their relationship after footage appeared to show the couple locked in an intense conversation at the Freedom 250 Grand Prix in Washington, D.C.
The IndyCar event was held as part of celebrations marking the United States’ 250th anniversary, but the mood between the president and First Lady appeared far less celebratory in footage that quickly spread online.
What does the video show?
The clip shows Trump and Melania engaged in what appears to be a tense discussion, with both looking serious as they speak to one another.
At one point, Melania walks away from her husband, leaving Trump seated and continuing to speak with another official.
The moment has since attracted millions of views, with social media users paying particular attention to the timing of Melania's departure. Some noted that she appeared to leave shortly after Natalie Harp, the White House Appointments Secretary, arrived.
Harp has increasingly featured alongside Trump at public appearances and while travelling, prompting online speculation about the nature of their relationship.
Georgia Democratic Senator Jon Ossoff even appeared to reference the speculation during a recent remark, claiming Trump “wants to build his ballroom and travel with Natalie.”
The comment prompted criticism from members of Trump's administration.
Meanwhile, Melania's relatively limited number of public appearances has continued to fuel speculation about the state of her marriage to Trump.
Lip reader reveals what was said between the couple
Lip reader Nicola Hickling has offered her interpretation of the conversation between the president and First Lady, although there is no independent confirmation that the words she attributed to them are accurate.
According to Hickling, Melania appears to begin by saying: “That is private and valuable text.”
Trump allegedly responds: “Was it enough?”
Melania then appears to say: “I don't know.”
Trump allegedly replies: “Then I need to see it.”
Melania then appears to tell him: “Donald, listen I'm gonna go.”
Trump allegedly responds: “Listen, she asked you not to close the door.”
Melania seems to ask: “Why?”
The lipreader alleges that Trump replies: “It's bad news, but it's bad timing, Melania.”
Before Melania then reportedly responds: “That's crazy.”
Trump admits: “I've had enough of her.”
Melania replies: “Obviously, I'll see and then talk to her in the morning.”
It remains unclear who the couple may have been discussing during the exchange, and the lip-reading interpretation has not been independently verified.
The footage has nevertheless generated considerable discussion online, particularly amid wider speculation surrounding Trump's close relationship with Harp and the increasingly infrequent public appearances of Melania recently.