Melania and Ivanka Trump's 'competitive' relationship changed in lead up election

Donald Trump's family have been by his side throughout his campaign for a second term in the White House.

First lady Melania Trump has travelled the country with him, while his daughter and advisor Ivanka campaigned on his behalf in vital states.

The relationship between Melania and her step-daughter, who are just 11 years apart in age, has fascinated people, especially after they've been caught exchanging awkward glances since Trump made his break into politics in 2016.

Body language Judi James has examined the two women's actions to get a true insight into their bond, and believes it has changed during the president's campaign.

She claims that the women share the "image perfection" trait, both showing off perfectly styled and groomed looks whenever they're seen at official events.

She believes this perfected image also reflects in their body language, saying they are both "measured and self-contained" while out in public with no "spontaneity and emotion".

Speaking to the Express, she explains: "It could be a sign of a more competitive relationship but when these two women are together in public the mirrored posture and walking styles hint more are some form of role-modeling.

“Enigmatic rituals with perfect smiles and what can look like no real touch or shared ‘moments’ of a more relaxed nature can be a sign of a more professional public veneer as well, though.”

However, she believes that the two women have appeared closer throughout Trump's political career.

She writes: "This would suggest Trump has been keen to show his close relatives in a family situation as well as dividing them between members and non-members of his working team.

“Their current line-up formations do suggest they are united in their support for Trump as he moves towards another election.”

She highlights how they both stand in a similar way, with "swan-like" long necks and "upright elegance" which  she believes could hint at "some kind of mentoring relationship or at least a desire to present more of a mother/daughter vibe".

But she doesn't believe there are any signs of an intimate relationship between the two women which could suggest they have a close bond.

Melania stood on stage with her husband as he gave his speech claiming he's won the election - even though it's still close to call.

Dressed in a black trouser suit, Melania flashed a quick smile before her cheer seemed to evaporate.

Reflecting on her appearance, Judi told the Mirror: " Melania’s signal facial expression can be beautifully impassive and Sphynx-like but the mood-change today was dramatic, even though the actual expression changes were subtle.

"Gone was the wide smile she had used during the election campaign, which had been so strong that people had even started to ask if she were a body double.

"In its place was a grim mouth-clamp as she gazed at her husband in her funereal black trouser suit and while Trump’s kids buzzed about grinning excitedly as though celebrating a big win, it was Melania’s appearance that told a very different story.

"She clapped for her husband to show support but it was the raising of her chin that had the most impact.

"It looked like a gesture of defiance that matched Trump’s narrative.

"There was no contact between the pair on stage but Melania did seem to echo the idea that the smiles have died as the gloves have come off."