Melania Trump gave her husband a subtle but critical cue during Pope Francis’ funeral service on Saturday, a forensic lip reader has revealed.
More than 250,000 mourners and delegations from 164 countries attended to honor Pope Francis, who passed away on Easter Monday at the age of 88 at the Vatican’s Casa Santa Marta.
Notably, the attendees included U.S. President Donald Trump, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, and French President Emmanuel Macron. Royal representation was also prominent, with figures like King Felipe VI of Spain and Prince William of the United Kingdom present.
During the three-hour Catholic mass on April 26, attendees were invited to participate in the traditional “sign of peace” — a moment to shake hands with those around them.
President Donald Trump appeared momentarily unsure of what to do - that was, until First Lady Melania leaned in and whispered a short prompt.
“Donald, look left,” she said, according to lip reader Jeremy Freeman, per the New York Post. Freeman, based in London, has served as a certified expert witness for University College London for 16 years. Born deaf, Freeman is regularly consulted by litigants, police, and journalists for forensic lip-reading analysis.
Following Melania’s direction, Trump turned to engage with fellow world leaders. “Great to see you, great to see you,” Trump said while shaking hands with Estonian President Alar Karis and Spain’s King Felipe VI, Freeman shared.
Footage from the ceremony, held at Saint Peter’s Square in Rome, showed Trump next extending his hand to Finnish President Alexander Stubb, before offering a prolonged, firm handshake to French President Emmanuel Macron -- which has become somewhat of a theme between the two leaders.
Despite the physical greeting, Trump and Macron didn’t exchange any words at that moment.
Instead, Trump appeared to redirect his attention quickly back to Stubb — even while still grasping Macron’s hand. “Great to see you, Alex, good to see you. How are you doing?” Trump asked Stubb, according to Freeman’s lip reading analysis.
Melania's three-word prompt to her husband was not the only time she helped to guide President Trump during the important day.
According to fellow lip reader Nicola Hickling - speaking on behalf of Oddspedia to The Express - Trump was seen leaning toward the First Lady and apparently saying: "I'll go over and speak to him."
Hickling then told the Express that she believes Melania turned to the POTUS to say: "You should go do it."
Meanwhile, other moments at the funeral captured further glimpses into Trump’s demeanor, including a private conversation with Melania.
At one point, Freeman claims Trump quietly asked his wife, “You okay?” prompting a small nod in response. Trump then added, “It was a good discussion,” although it remains unclear which conversation he was referencing - but it is believed the POTUS was referencing a nearly 15-minute meeting with Ukrainian President Zelensky inside St. Peter’s Basilica ahead of the funeral.
“Good,” Melania responded.
Later, Trump concluded a private exchange with the words, “It’s time,” to which Melania agreed, replying, “Yes, I agree.”
Trump and Zelensky's meeting marked their first encounter since an Oval Office clash nearly two months ago. The White House described the meeting as “very productive,” while Zelensky echoed the sentiment on X, calling it a “good meeting".
Despite earlier speculation that protocol would place them behind senior clergy and reigning monarchs, Donald and Melania Trump were seated prominently in the front row. Trump wore a navy suit and tie, while Melania chose a black lace outfit, fitting with the traditional mourning attire expected at Catholic funerals.