Trump’s awkward struggle to kiss Melania after her wide hat blocks his attempt leaves Internet in splits

Trump leaned in to kiss Melania Trump on the cheek before taking the oath of office but due to her wide-brimmed hat, he had to settle for an air kiss
PUBLISHED JAN 21, 2025
Donald Trump awkwardly failed to kiss his wife Melania Trump on the cheek moments before he was sworn in as president for the second time on January 20, 2025 (Getty Images)
Donald Trump awkwardly failed to kiss his wife Melania Trump on the cheek moments before he was sworn in as president for the second time on January 20, 2025 (Getty Images)

WASHINGTON, DC: Donald Trump and Melania Trump shared an awkward moment that quickly went viral during his presidential inauguration on January 20, Monday.

Before taking the oath of office at the US Capitol, the 47th president leaned in to kiss his wife on the cheek. However, due to Melania’s wide-brimmed navy hat designed by Eric Javits, Trump, 78, couldn’t reach her cheek.



 

Donald Trump’s attempt to kiss Melania Trump blocked by her hat

As Donald Trump entered the swearing-in ceremony, he greeted Melania Trump. He went to kiss her cheek but stopped inches away from her face. The brim of Melania's hat bumped into his forehead, leading the couple to settle for an air kiss before Trump took his seat next to Vice President JD Vance.

U.S. President Donald Trump kisses first lady Melania Trump after his inauguration at the U.S. Capitol Rotunda on January 20, 2025 in Washington, DC. Donald Trump takes office for his second term as the 47th president of the United States. (Photo by Julia Demaree Nikhinson - Pool/Getty Images)
President Donald Trump kisses first lady Melania Trump after his inauguration at the US Capitol Rotunda on January 20, 2025, in Washington, DC (Julia Demaree Nikhinson - Pool/Getty Images)

 Meanwhile, Melania, 54, sat beside their son Barron as her husband was officially sworn in. However, after the ceremony, Trump successfully kissed Melania on the cheek as all five of his children embraced him.

U.S. President Donald Trump kisses first lady Melania Trump after his inauguration at the U.S. Capitol Rotunda on January 20, 2025 in Washington, DC. Donald Trump takes office for his second term as the 47th president of the United States. (Photo by Julia Demaree Nikhinson - Pool/Getty Images)
President Donald Trump kisses first lady Melania Trump after his inauguration at the US Capitol Rotunda on January 20, 2025, in Washington, DC (Julia Demaree Nikhinson - Pool/Getty Images)

The first lady wore a navy Adam Lippes tailored silk wool coat, matching pencil skirt, and ivory silk crepe blouse, all designed by Lippes and handsewn in New York City. She completed the look with her wide-brimmed hat and black leather gloves.

“The tradition of the presidential inauguration embodies the beauty of American democracy and today we had the honor to dress our first lady, Mrs Melania Trump,” Lippes informed the New York Post.

“Mrs Trump’s outfit was created by some of America’s finest craftsmen and I take great pride in showing such work to the world," Lippes added.


WASHINGTON, DC - JANUARY 20: Melania Trump and U.S. President-elect Donald Trump leave after services at St. John's Church as part of Inauguration ceremonies on January 20, 2025 in Washington, DC. Donald Trump takes office for his second term as the 47th president of the United States. (Photo by Scott Olson/Getty Images)
Melania Trump and President-elect Donald Trump leave after services at St John's Church as part of the inauguration ceremonies on January 20, 2025, in Washington, DC (Scott Olson/Getty Images)

The last first lady to wear a hat at an inauguration before Melania was Nancy Reagan in 1985. Emma McClendon, an assistant professor of fashion studies at St John’s University, explained to The Post the significance of Melania choosing to wear a hat for the ceremony.

“There is something, again, very old world, traditional in the use of a hat,” McClendon said. “There’s been a return of interest to some of these elements that have maybe faded out of the everyday wardrobe for most people. This is something that’s not happening in a vacuum.”

Internet mocks Donald Trump’s attempt to kiss Melania Trump

The internet had a lot to say about Donald Trump’s attempt to kiss Melania Trump during his inauguration and her hat coming in the way.

A user wrote, "Oh, now it makes sense. Melania wore the hat as a barrier to Trump’s lips. Got it."



 

Another added, "THE HAT WORKED AS INTENDED."



 

The third commentator remarked, "Got booped by that fashion icon set up."



 

"Yes! Perfect sense. What a bizarre moment, and Trump’s face after…." said one.



 

A person mocked, "Looks like Melania combined fashion with safety!"



 

Another chimed in, "They probably don't want to mess up each others makeup, or we can read into it and come up with all kinds of conspiracies because that is more fun."



 

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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