Trump and first lady share awkward moment with handshake
At least she didn't slap his hand away this time.
Social media went abuzz after President Trump greeted the first lady with a formal handshake at a military event Friday night.
The President came on the stage at Joint Base Andrews in Maryland following an introduction by First Lady Melania Trump.
But instead of a hug or a kiss, Trump extended his hand to his wife of 12 years as fatigue-clad troops look on. After they shook hands, the President was seen saying something to the first lady.
The US First Lady introduces her husband on stage at an event at Joint Base Andrews. He thanks her with a handshake. pic.twitter.com/fPQNoMpnWa
— Caitriona Perry (@CaitrionaPerry) September 15, 2017
"That awkward handshake is the Trump equivalent of telling your wife she has to sleep on the couch because you didn't like the gravy," tweeted @dritpreik.
Others speculated the two aren't quite happy together.
"Ah yes, a handshake, so intimate, thank you very much husband sir, my misery is palpable, solid deal sir," quipped @TrumpFlotus, an account parodying the first lady.
Some were just relieve Trump didn't give one of his notorious handshakes.
See photos of Melania and Donald Trump at the military event:
"I guess we can be grateful he didn't give Melania the old Trump Tug Power Handshake...this is how human spouses act!" wrote @catvalente.
The President has gained an international reputation for grasping someone's hand, followed by active tugging of the arm — becoming viral sensations.
One tweeter compared the first couple's exchange Friday night to the 2000 Democratic National Convention, when then-Vice President Al Gore shared a particularly lengthy kiss with his then-wife, Tipper.
RELATED: Melania and Donald Trump through the years
"Nothing says I love you my wife like a firm handshake and false pleasantries. Guess he won't have an Al Gore moment," tweeted@grantstern.
But others were concerned when Trump seemingly guided Melania off stage with his hand.
"Trump greets Melania with a polite handshake and, didn't you notice, a firm shove offstage," opined @Lindlee.
The first lady caused a stir in May when she swatted the President's paw away while on a tarmac in Israel.
When the couple landed in Italy a day later, she again swipped her hand away when Trump went to hold it.
Ah yes, a handshake, so intimate, thank you very much husband sir, my misery is palpable, solid deal sir
— MelaniaTrumpFLOTUS (@TrumpFlotus) September 16, 2017
I guess we can be grateful he didn’t give Melania the old Trump Tug Power Handshake…this is how human spouses act!https://t.co/AuY2zpOVDZ
— Catherynne M. Valente (@catvalente) September 16, 2017
At least he didn't go all trump power move handshake. Of course, he thinks she's already his property, so maybe no need.
— Brett Crossley (@brettmcrossley) September 16, 2017
Trump greets Melania with a polite handshake and, didn't you notice, a firm shove offstage. https://t.co/OVc7PLcC0x
— Linda Wouldn't Know (@Lindlee) September 16, 2017
Nothing says I love you my wife like a firm handshake and false pleasantries.
Guess he won't have an Al Gore moment.#TheResistancehttps://t.co/kZwvmWMXOD— Grant Stern (@grantstern) September 16, 2017
