Body language pro says Elon Musk wants ‘parental-style approval’ in bromance with Trump

Donald Trump and Elon Musk seem connected at the hip at the moment, and though we don’t know what happens behind closed doors, body language expert Judi James has pulled back the curtain on their bromance.

In the leadup to the Presidential election, we watched as Elon Musk cosied up to Donald Trump whilst using his considerable wealth and resources to get his mate back in the big chair. Well, it worked.

Though Elon’s robotic behaviour around the President has been memed about almost as much as Melania Trump’s hat, we are still left wondering about their true feelings. I don’t have telepathic abilities – nor would I want to look inside Elon Musk’s mind – but the next best thing could be recent statements from body language expert Judi James. Here’s what she said.

There is a power struggle brewing between Donald Trump and Elon Musk

Elon Musk is the richest person in the world and Donald Trump is again the leader of arguably the most powerful nation on the planet. As such, body language expert Judi James said there is a brewing power struggle between them.

“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 the MailOnline.

“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. 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.”

Elon Musk craves the President’s approval

I have just asked Elon Musk and @SpaceX to “go get” the 2 brave astronauts who have been virtually abandoned in space by the Biden Administration. They have been waiting for many months on Space Station. Elon will soon be on his way. Hopefully, all will be safe. Good luck…

— Donald J. Trump Posts From His Truth Social (@TrumpDailyPosts) January 29, 2025

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Earlier this week, both Elon Musk and Donald Trump stepped out to watch the launch of the SpaceX Starship in Texas. Though Judi said that Donald Trump let his friend take the spotlight in the moment, she also noted how it felt like a kid showing their parent a science project.

She explained: “Musk talks using signals of excitement while Trump adopts a demeanour of solemn pomposity with his raised chin, his down-turned oxbow mouth and his rocking onto his heels to suggest authority. Musk looks keen for parental-style approval here with his fingers forming a steepling gesture, pressing together so tightly they look white.”

The power dynamic is skewed because of their close relationship

During Tuesday’s launch, Elon and Donald exchanged pleasantries and welcomed a hug which Judi described as “awkward” because Elon was not picking up the signals the President was dropping.

“It looks exploratory and a little awkward with Musk possibly pushing it too far in terms of friendship signals,” Judi told the publication. “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’.”

Later in the day, Judi noticed that Donald Trump gave Elon a “paternal looking ‘approval’ pat on the back” to assert his dominance.

Their body language is even stranger at parties

During both Chris Macchio’s inauguration performance and a UFC event in New York City last week, Judi noticed bizarre behaviour which she again compared to that of a father and son relationship.

“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 said about the UFC event.

During the musical performance, which saw Donald and Elon stood either side of the singer, Judi described how the latter would mimic his friend’s gestures.

“By leading the gesticulation as Musk mirrors him, Trump seems to establish his natural authority here,” she added.

After reading Judi’s analysis I’m more convinced than ever that Elon Musk has scribbled “Daddy Trump 4 eva” in one or two notebooks.

Featured image credit: WILL OLIVER/EPA-EFE/Shutterstock