Donald Trump’s inauguration in January 20 had its fair share of noteworthy moments, but one particular interaction between the former president and his wife, Melania Trump, quickly gained viral attention. As Trump was sworn in as the 45th president, the atmosphere was charged with anticipation. The couple stood side by side throughout the historic day, but it was a seemingly simple gesture between them that caught the eye of many.
In a moment captured in the Capitol Rotunda, Donald Trump leaned in to kiss his wife, Melania, on the cheek, but the exchange didn’t go quite as planned. Whether due to Melania’s large, wide-brimmed hat or some other factor, the kiss appeared to miss its mark, leaving viewers confused and amused. Some speculated that the kiss was an “air kiss” that went wrong, while others jokingly suggested that Melania’s hat acted as a barrier to Trump’s lips, leading to humorous comments online.
The internet quickly picked up on the awkward interaction, with social media users analyzing and sharing clips of the moment. Many found the situation humorous, with one person commenting, “Is this even a real kiss attempt?” while another joked, “Melania’s hat served as a shield from Trump’s lips. Mystery solved.” As the clip spread, the couple’s awkward moment became one of the most talked-about occurrences of the day, with many poking fun at the mishap.
On top of the kiss, people also noticed Melania’s outfit—a sleek black ensemble—which some compared to attire more fitting for a funeral rather than a celebratory event. Others humorously suggested that Trump might have been better off kissing her hand instead. Despite the odd exchange, the moment quickly became a lighthearted talking point across social media.
But the kiss wasn’t the only thing drawing attention on inauguration day. The absence of former First Lady Michelle Obama sparked widespread speculation. As Barack Obama arrived at the ceremony alone, questions flooded social media about her whereabouts. Some users wondered, “Where is Michelle Obama?” Others remarked that her absence had been noticeable, particularly since she had also skipped former President Jimmy Carter’s funeral earlier in the month. A statement from the Obama office clarified that while Barack Obama attended the event, Michelle Obama did not.
In a day filled with powerful moments and significant transitions, viral incidents like the missed kiss and Michelle Obama’s absence helped keep the conversation going online long after the inauguration was over. The ceremony may have marked a significant political shift, but it was these human moments and the internet’s response that made it one of the most talked-about events in recent history.
