The Trumps, Obamas, and Clintons sat alongside each other at George H.W. Hedge’s burial service on Wednesday morning ― and it was as unbalanced as you’d anticipate.
President Donald Trump and first woman Melania Trump sat down in the first line alongside previous President Barack Obama and Michelle Obama at the Washington National Cathedral in Washington, D.C. As Melania Trump moved into the seat, she hung over and shook previous President Bill Clinton’s hand and waved to Hillary Clinton, who was sitting beside her better half. The two Trumps shook hands with the Obamas, yet President Trump did not offer his hand to the Clintons.
After Melania Trump waved to Hillary Clinton, the camera worked out and watchers could see the previous secretary of state gesturing her head, apparently irritated.
While it’s standard that all present and previous presidents and their life partners going to a burial service for a previous president sit in the first column at the house of prayer, it certainly made for some distressing live TV.
President Trump and first lady Melania Trump take their seats in the Washington National Cathedral.
Handshakes from Barack and Michelle Obama, but no greeting from Bill and Hillary Clinton. https://t.co/YsVdNOQqBj#Bush41 pic.twitter.com/975HSqLOSs
— Dan Linden (@DanLinden) December 5, 2018
Viewers hilariously noted the awkward exchange on Twitter, pointing out just how tense the moment was.
Some even pointed out former President Jimmy Carter’s side eye, as Michelle Obama and President Trump shook hands. Scroll below to read more reactions.
As George HW Bush's funeral gets under way, representatives from the US and Russia gather to pay their respects. pic.twitter.com/4WHnHrEEa5
— Have I Got News For You (@haveigotnews) December 5, 2018
Live look at #GeorgeHWBushFuneral pic.twitter.com/oYk70Wb68J
— Zach K-man (@sportzak) December 5, 2018
Jimmy Carter's side eye as Trump shakes hands with Michelle Obama is a wonderful thing to behold (📷 Getty) #GeorgeHWBushFuneral pic.twitter.com/0wM1bJrEWW
— Will Tooke (@willtooketv) December 5, 2018
The tension in the air is so thick #GeorgeHWBushFuneral pic.twitter.com/1AkA8MZQI9
— jazmoné (@JasmineNxcolee) December 5, 2018
same energy pic.twitter.com/s1eXjQQG0j
— David Mack (@davidmackau) December 5, 2018
*tugs at throat collar* pic.twitter.com/e33TZ86hhz
— Briän Ries (@moneyries) December 5, 2018
Tweeted without comment pic.twitter.com/VEdpq3E8Mp
— Scott Wong (@scottwongDC) December 5, 2018
Bush's funeral seating is more stressful than a Love & Hip Hop reunion pic.twitter.com/7ETnyFLvXh
— Sylvia Obell (@SylviaObell) December 5, 2018
