Former President Donald Trump mourned the loss of his sister, Maryanne Barry Trump, at her funeral on New York’s Upper East Side. The somber occasion provided insight into Trump’s emotional state, as body language expert Judi James noted his deep grief and reliance on his wife, Melania, for support.
James, analyzing Trump’s demeanor, observed that despite attempting a composed and presidential stance, Trump appeared overwhelmed by sorrow. The firm grip on Melania’s hand during the funeral suggested both emotional and physical reliance, with Melania’s posture indicating that she was supporting some of his weight as they descended the church steps.
In an interview, Trump praised Melania’s confidence and self-assurance, countering speculation about her absence from various events. However, James suggested that Trump’s unsteady demeanor may indicate extreme grief, with facial expressions conveying regret or sorrow.
The relationship between Maryanne and Trump, initially positive, had become strained, as revealed in a secretly recorded conversation by their niece Mary Trump in 2020. Maryanne, a former judge, criticized Trump’s lack of principles and his political approach. Mary Trump is currently engaged in a legal battle against her uncle over allegations of plotting to obtain his tax records.
Despite past tensions, sources, including ABC, reported that Trump and Maryanne were mending their relationship, even meeting at Trump’s Bedminster club in New Jersey. Maryanne, a judge appointed by Presidents Ronald Reagan and Bill Clinton, had experienced professional advancement partially due to her brother’s connections.
Following Maryanne’s death, Trump condemned media coverage on Truth Social, linking it to his presidential candidacy. He praised Maryanne as a remarkable individual and lamented the scrutiny she faced during his presidency. Trump attributed some of her challenges to media treatment and the family’s tax investigation, leading to her retirement in 2019 from the United States Court of Appeals for the Third Circuit.