People were quick to point out the unusual detail

An evening that was supposed to embody elegance and high culture quickly turned into a source of irony, mockery, and mixed reactions on social media.

The President and First Lady appeared at a high-profile event where everything seemed carefully choreographed—formal wear, flashing cameras, music, and grandeur…

This marked the couple’s first visit to the prestigious cultural center since taking office. The event took place against a backdrop of growing social unrest—mass protests, controversial statements, and divisive policies that had split public opinion. Still, that night, it wasn’t just the music or the speeches that drew the most attention…

As the two stepped out of the White House in formal attire, the First Lady made a gesture that instantly became the focus of media and public scrutiny. Cameras captured her reaching out—with her thumb extended forward—in a stiff, oddly unnatural motion. And then it became clear: the couple had once again become a viral sensation due to an awkward hand hold.

The moment quickly spread online, joining a long list of similar public missteps between the two. Commenters recalled past incidents, like when she refused to hold his hand or even seemed to swat it away, such as the red carpet moment in Tel Aviv in 2017. In her memoir, published in October 2024, Melania referred to that incident as a “simple misunderstanding.