Social media users and commentators weighed in, with some humorously referring to the gesture as a “thumb-hold” and suggesting it signaled emotional distance. Others noted Trump’s visible hand bruise, further fueling discussion about the awkward appearance.

In her 2024 memoir Melania, the former First Lady addressed similar public moments, explaining they were often misunderstood and driven by practical reasons rather than personal conflict. Still, the continued attention highlights how public figures’ gestures are increasingly dissected and reinterpreted in the age of viral media.