When Kamala Harris was forced to declare Donald Trump the winner of the 2024 election, she put on a pleasant facade to hide her “anger” and “outrage.”
The awkward moment for Harris came Monday afternoon when she was tasked with announcing the results of an election she lost to a candidate she has repeatedly called a “fascist” and “wannabe dictator.”
As she took the stage in the House of Representatives before all members of Congress, the vice president smiled halfheartedly as she confirmed Trump’s victory to loud applause from Republicans.
It also marked her final defeat after an accelerated presidential campaign.
Although Harris appeared calm and at times cheerful during the joint session of Congress, she also appeared irritated at times during the ceremony.
Her underlying hostility towards Trump, despite being initially tamed, rose to the surface more clearly than her previous primetime moments, body language expert Judi James exclusively revealed to DailyMail.com after analyzing the vice president’s behavior.
“Even Harris’ concession speech was delivered with the body language rituals of victory,” James said in a statement.
“Immediately after Trump’s victory, she appeared to giggle, chuckle and smile broadly as she pointed to the crowd and patted her chest like the victor enjoying her moment of glory, determined to mask any sense of defeat.”
Vice President Kamala Harris speaks with Speaker of the House of Representatives Mike Johnson during a joint session of Congress to certify the election of Donald Trump, at the US Capitol in Washington, USA, January 6, 2025. During the event, Harris attempted to to hide discomfort about the election results, a body language expert revealed to DailyMail.com
Harris pursed her lips and brushed her hair as she read Trump’s vote totals
James continued: ‘As she confirmed the electoral votes today, her non-verbal display suggested that the adrenaline has waned, triggering a very different set of emotional responses, including anger, outrage and a possible sense of unfairness.’
Harris’ sad smile disappeared for the first time as she ascended the steps to the podium where Republican House Speaker Mike Johnson greeted her.
“She walked down the stairs to the stage with heavy steps and, lacking her trademark gurgling smile, it seemed as if she was physically bracing herself,” the body language expert explained.
“Her cheeks were round as usual, but her lips were now closed.”
Harris even seemed lethargic when she first took her seat before the many lawmakers.
‘Her greeting ritual included a friendly smile, but then her lips pursed and she did what actors call a ‘bit of business’ with the water glass, removing the lid and moving to pick it up before changing her mind and throwing it pushed away. ‘ said James.
‘The use of these types of props can distract attention for a moment and prevent you from looking directly at the audience.’
But the real details that showed the vice president’s discomfort came when she had to deliver her text confirming Trump’s victory.
Donald Trump points to the camera at his election night victory party
A joint session of Congress was convened to confirm the Electoral College votes
James told DailyMail.com that Harris started off strong, but she soon stumbled and her face and posture gave insight into the feelings she was trying to hide.
When Harris began to speak, she folded her hands and extended her elbows in a gesture of authority. However, those elbows also gave a subtle signal to her inner feelings.’
“They began pumping in and out against her sides to suggest a sense of outrage, while her jaw jutted out, reinforcing the impression of inner rage.”
When the vice president made the statement that Trump had won 312 votes, her outrage began to shine through her otherwise normal behavior.
“Donald J. Trump from the state of Florida received 312 votes,” Harris said in a steady, emotionless voice.
“This announcement of the state of the vote by the President of the Senate will be considered a sufficient declaration of the persons elected President and Vice President of the United States,” she continued.
Vice President Kamala Harris talks to reporters after a joint session of Congress
Republican lawmakers erupted in a loud, triumphant roar after this statement.
“Her body continued to shake as she read Trump’s 312 votes and her lips pursed at the cheers and standing ovation,” the expert said.
After things calmed down, she announced her own election results.
“Kamala Harris from the state of California received 226 votes,” she continued, this time Democrats stand and encourage her.
However, James said Harris had already lost her veneer of resistance.
“She had a similar reaction when she read out her own 226 votes, but instead of crowdsurfing by grinning and doing recognition rituals, she looked down with a cutoff gesture while moving some papers around,” the body language analyst surmised.