Jenna Bush Hager hilariously reacts to George W Bush's 'goofy expressions' during Trump's inauguration

NEW YORK CITY, NEW YORK: Jenna Bush Hager, co-host of 'Today' and daughter of former president George W Bush, has weighed in on her father’s now-famous facial expressions during Donald Trump’s inauguration on January 20.

The 43rd president, now 78, was captured making a series of goofy faces, including raised eyebrows, winks, and subtle smiles, while attending the ceremony at the Capitol Rotunda in Washington, DC.

Jenna Bush Hager's reaction to George W Bush's viral expressions

During her segment, Bush Hager said, “You all already guessed what moment has been blowing up our family group chat."

“Yeah, my dad went viral for these cutaway shots during yesterday’s broadcast. The internet’s obsessed with this little smile and goofy expression,” she added.

Bush Hager humorously speculated that her father’s reactions might have stemmed from making eye contact with someone in the audience.

However, she was quick to defend him, saying, “He didn’t do anything. I mean, that’s just what his face looks like.”

“Even in serious settings, a little humor can go a long way,” she added.

Barack Obama’s role as a 'bad influence'

During the event, George W Bush was seated near not only Barack Obama but also former president Bill Clinton, former first lady Hillary Clinton, and his wife, Laura Bush.

Jenna lightheartedly suggested that her father’s seatmate, Obama, might have contributed to his playful behavior.

During her show, she played a clip of Obama responding to a Capitol staffer’s question about whether George W Bush would behave.

With a grin, Obama interjected, “Nope.”

“I just love how when they’re together, they become unusual friends,” Bush Hager said.

She also highlighted a later moment when reporters asked Obama if Bush had behaved during the ceremony. Obama’s cheeky reply? “Just barely.”

This camaraderie between the 43rd and 44th presidents has been noted on multiple occasions.

Reflecting on the dynamic between her father and Obama, Bush Hager said, “They’re pals. I think it shows that even in divisive times, we have so much more that unites us. So let’s just pray for that.”

Jenna Bush Hager on family traditions and watching inaugurations

Bush Hager, who was 20 when her father first took office, shared a glimpse into her family’s traditions during inaugurations.

“You know when you’re watching your kid’s holiday concert or whatever, and — if you’re honest — you don’t really care about the whole scene? You’re just zooming in right on your kid. That’s a little bit about how we watch an inauguration in my family,” she joked.

Having witnessed several inaugurations, Bush Hager noted that her father’s expressions have a history of capturing attention.

“He goes viral for basically anything,” she remarked with a laugh, further defending his lighthearted demeanor as entirely natural, according to People.