As the couple left the White House, Melania was seen giving just her thumb in the photo, which went viral online and sparked memes, body language analysis, and fresh rumors about marital discord.

Seeing it as part of a trend, observers recalled other instances in which Melania seemed to avoid holding hands, such as when she swatted Trump’s hand in 2017 and withdrew during a 2020 debate. The new photo, which was taken during a heated public gathering where Trump was the target of heckling and protest, fueled the debate.

Social media users and critics ridiculed the thumb-grip as a representation of emotional detachment, even making jokes about a “sliding scale” for physical affection. Others drew attention to Trump’s appearance, pointing out that his hand was bruised.

The former First Lady refuted the public’s interpretations of these moments in her 2024 memoir, Melania, claiming that they were due to pragmatic rather than private concerns. However, the awkward gestures still draw attention from the public, illustrating how, in the digital age, personal relationships in politics are now closely examined and frequently turned into memes.