A viral image featuring Donald Trump awkwardly holding Melania Trump’s thumb at the Kennedy Center in June 2025 has rekindled public interest in their relationship. The photograph, captured as the couple left the White House on their way to the event, rapidly circulated online, generating memes, discussions about body language, and renewed speculation regarding marital difficulties.
Observers have drawn parallels between this moment and previous occurrences, such as Melania swatting Trump’s hand away in 2017 and withdrawing during a debate in 2020. The timing of the photo—taken during a charged event characterized by protests and heckling—only heightened the speculation.
