Bush’s friendly belly tap to Obama at Jimmy Carter’s funeral sets Internet abuzz: ‘Frat boy mentality’

WASHINGTON, DC: When former presidents and world leaders gather, you expect handshakes, polite nods, and maybe the occasional awkward glance.

But at President Jimmy Carter’s funeral on Thursday, January 9, George W Bush decided to switch things up with a belly tap on his successor, Barack Obama. And, of course, the moment didn’t escape the watchful eyes of social media users whose reactions were fast, furious, and hilariously on point.

Goerge W Bush taps Barack Obama's belly

As George W Bush entered the Washington National Cathedral on Thursday, he bypassed President-elect Donald Trump (his fellow Republican) without so much as a glance and headed straight for Barack Obama.

The former GOP president didn’t just settle for a handshake. He tapped Obama on the stomach before taking his seat.

The interactions, of course, didn’t end there. Throughout the ceremony, Obama chatted and even joked with Trump—another moment that had viewers scratching their heads. But the belly tap did steal the show.

Interactions between presidents, especially ones from opposing parties, are always under the magnifying glass at formal events like these. Bush and Obama, despite their differences—the Iraq War for instance—have always maintained a friendly and professional rapport.

The lighthearted moment seemed to reinforce that camaraderie. Over the years, the two have even teamed up on initiatives like disaster relief, proving that mutual respect can transcend ideological divides, Newsweek reported.

Internet gushes over George W Bush's gesture

As with anything involving former presidents, social media had some thoughts. The belly tap sparked an avalanche of reactions.

"The Obamas and Bushes are supposedly very close friends. Bush’s belly tap would seem to confirm that," one posted on X.

"Two teenagers say hello quietly before being sat next to DAD. Lol," another quipped.

"People forget this now, but his 'normal guy' vibes were a big part of his appeal at the time," someone else noted.

"That's how George is, he has that old frat boy mentality..it actually makes him relatable to a lot of people," read a comment. 

"LOVE this. Just love it. We need more presidents with these kinds of attitudes about one another. I’m reminded of the letter Bush left for Obama upon exiting the White House. More or less ‘I’m praying for you and your family,'" another offered.

A funeral full of memorable moments

George W Bush’s belly tap wasn’t the only sensational moment at the funeral. Vice President Kamala Harris also found herself in the spotlight—for all the wrong reasons. Cameras captured her looking visibly perturbed as Barack Obama and Donald Trump shared a surprising bromance, complete with laughter and conversation.

Social media quickly latched onto her reaction, with one X user writing, "Kamala’s face says it all—watching Obama talk to Trump has her absolutely fuming."

And let’s not forget the frosty vibe between Harris and outgoing First Lady Jill Biden. Seated next to each other in the front row, the two women barely interacted.

At one point, Harris briefly held Jill’s pocketbook as the First Lady got situated, but the exchange was as chilly as a January morning in DC. Jill later scooted closer to her husband, President Joe Biden, further fueling speculation about tension between the two.

The seating arrangement at the funeral was also a hot topic. Obama sat between Trump and Bush, with Melania Trump seated on her husband's other side. Noticeably absent was former FLOTUS Michelle Obama.

Despite their rivalry, Obama and Trump appeared to share a genuine albeit unexpected camaraderie. Lipreader Jeremy Freeman even dished on their conversation to New York Post, revealing Trump allegedly said, “We need to find a quiet place later in the day to chat about a matter of importance.”

Freeman also claimed Trump told Obama, “I’ve pulled out of that. It’s the conditions. Can you imagine that?” and later added, “Call me at the foy after, yep.”

Obama reportedly replied, “Listen to me, it’s a chore, a chore,” before nodding along.

This article contains remarks made on the Internet by individual people and organizations. MEAWW cannot confirm them independently and does not support claims or opinions being made online.