Trump wraps a protective arm around Melania in sweet PDA while heading for Pope Francis' funeral

The Trumps are among a number of world leaders attending the funeral of Pope Francis in the Vatican
UPDATED APR 26, 2025
Donald Trump and Melania surprise onlookers with public display of affection while heading for Pope Francis’ funeral (Kevin Dietsch/Getty Images)
Donald Trump and Melania surprise onlookers with public display of affection while heading for Pope Francis’ funeral (Kevin Dietsch/Getty Images)

WASHINGTON, DC: Donald and Melania Trump surprised onlookers Friday morning, April 25, with a rare public display of affection as they departed the White House en route to Pope Francis’ funeral.

The Trumps are among a number of world leaders attending the funeral of Pope Francis at St Peter’s Square in the Vatican, reports Mirror.



 

Donald and Melania Trump share rare warm moment ahead of pope’s funeral

The president gently wrapped his arm around Melania’s waist as they walked side by side toward Marine One on the South Lawn. The subtle gesture including a reassuring back pat marked one of their most intimate public moments in recent memory.

Melania, often reserved in the spotlight, appeared at ease and did not pull away from the affectionate moment. Dressed in a light khaki coat and signature dark sunglasses, the first lady kept a composed presence, her long hair down as she prepared for the overseas trip. It was one of her first major public appearances since co-hosting the White House Easter Egg Roll earlier in the week.

WASHINGTON, DC - APRIL 25: U.S. President Donald Trump and first lady Melania Trump walk to Marine One as they depart the White House on April 25, 2025 in Washington, DC. President Trump and the first lady are traveling to Rome to attend the funeral of Pope Francis. (Photo by Kevin Dietsch/Getty Images)
President Donald Trump and first lady Melania Trump walk to Marine One as they depart the White House on April 25, 2025 in Washington, DC (Kevin Dietsch/Getty Images)

While the Trumps won’t be seated with top-tier dignitaries, they’ll still have a prominent spot in the section designated for international guests, just behind the front rows typically reserved for Catholic royalty.

WASHINGTON, DC - APRIL 25: U.S. President Donald Trump speaks to the media alongside first lady Melania Trump as they depart the White House on April 25, 2025 in Washington, DC. President Trump and the first lady are traveling to Rome to attend the funeral of Pope Francis. (Photo by Kevin Dietsch/Getty Images)
President Donald Trump speaks to the media alongside first lady Melania Trump as they depart the White House on April 25, 2025 in Washington, DC (Kevin Dietsch/Getty Images)

Before boarding the aircraft, Trump addressed reporters and spoke warmly about the late pope. “He loved the world,” the former president said. “I met him twice. He was just a good man — a fantastic kind of guy.” 

WASHINGTON, DC - APRIL 25: U.S. President Donald Trump and first lady Melania Trump depart the White House on April 25, 2025 in Washington, DC. President Trump and the first lady are traveling to Rome to attend the funeral of Pope Francis. (Photo by Kevin Dietsch/Getty Images)
President Donald Trump and first lady Melania Trump depart the White House on April 25, 2025 in Washington, DC (Kevin Dietsch/Getty Images)

Melania stood by her husband’s side as he spoke with reporters out on the White House’s South Lawn.

Melania and Donald Trump’s warm exchange before pope's funeral sparks wholesome response online

A subtle moment between President Donald Trump and first lady Melania Trump during the lead-up to Pope Francis’ funeral has captured the internet’s heart, as viewers praised the couple’s seemingly tender exchange.

ROME, ITALY - APRIL 25: U.S. President Donald Trump and first lady Melania Trump upon arrival at Fiumicino Airport on April 25, 2025 in Rome, Italy. Pope Francis died on Easter Monday, aged 88. His Funeral will be held in St Peter's Square in the Vatican tomorrow morning. (Photo by Marco Mantovani/Getty Images)
President Donald Trump and first lady Melania Trump upon arrival at Fiumicino Airport on April 25, 2025 in Rome, Italy. Pope Francis died on Easter Monday, aged 88. His Funeral will be held in St Peter's Square in the Vatican tomorrow morning (Marco Mantovani/Getty Images)

One user gushed, “America’s favorite couple!” Another added, “Such a gentleman.” One wrote, “They love each other so much!!”



 



 



 

The exchange led to an outpouring of warmth online, with one person commenting, “Their bond is stronger than ever.”



 

Others were charmed by the candid nature of the moment, “Wonder what he says to the pilots every day. I soo love this.”



 

Another chimed in with, “That’s so adorbs, btw.” One user summed up the tone of many responses, “Love to see it!”



 



 

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.

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