Public interest in Donald Trump and Melania Trump resurfaced after a widely circulated photo from their appearance at the Kennedy Center in June 2025. In the image, Trump is seen awkwardly gripping what appears to be only Melania’s thumb as they exited the venue.

The moment quickly went viral, prompting a wave of memes, social media reactions, and renewed speculation about the couple’s relationship. The photo was taken during a tense public event, where Trump faced heckling and protests.

Observers noted that this wasn’t the first time Melania seemed reluctant to hold Trump’s hand. They referenced earlier incidents, such as when she swatted his hand away during a 2017 trip and pulled her hand back during a 2020 presidential debate.

Online, the “thumb-holding” was mocked as a possible sign of emotional distance between the two. Some also pointed out what looked like bruising on Trump’s hand, adding to the speculation.

Melania addressed past public moments like these in her 2024 memoir Melania, explaining that her gestures were often misunderstood and usually the result of practical considerations rather than personal issues. Despite her explanation, such interactions continue to attract attention, showing how closely political figures’ personal relationships are scrutinized—and often turned into memes—in the digital age.