Melania Trump and California Governor Gavin Newsom sparked a flame of speculation after they exchanged a frisky kiss at the Los Angeles airport.
The first lady and the president were in California surveying the damage caused by the deadly wildfires, but it’s the heat shared between the governor and Melania that everyone is talking about.
In a surprising display of civility, California Governor Gavin Newsom, 57, warmly greeted President Trump and Melania as the pair stepped off Air Force One in Los Angeles on January 24.
Trump, 78, and Newsom, who have had their fair share of public disagreements, set aside their differences for a moment, engaging in a lively and seemingly cordial conversation right on the tarmac.
Despite Trump’s previous criticisms of Newsom’s handling of various state crises, the governor welcomed the president with a smile and a firm handshake. Their brief exchange was filled with animated gestures – Newsom was seen pointing, clenching his fist, and giving a thumbs-up, while Trump nodded attentively. It was a moment that stood in stark contrast to their usual political sparring.
“I appreciate the Governor coming out and meeting me,” Trump told the New York Post of Newsom’s unexpected greeting.
“Thank you for being here…We’re going to need your support. We’re going to need your help,” Newsom said to the president of supporting the state after the fatal wildfires.
He adds, “We’re going to need your help. You were there for us during COVID. I don’t forget that…And I have all the expectations that we’ll be able to work together to get this speedy recovery.”
The scene at Los Angeles International Airport quickly caught the attention of onlookers, but it wasn’t the awkward moment shared between the two leaders that people are buzzing over.
Cheeky kiss
A video captured Melania, 54, sharing a moment with the democratic governor, sparking waves of speculation and playful commentary online.
After exiting Air Force One, Trump is seen walking ahead of his wife, while Newsom sneaks in a little kiss that’s warmly accepted by Melania.
The online community noted that her behavior with Newsom was a stark contrast to past public moments with her husband, where she appeared to avoid public displays of affection.
This encounter quickly reminded people of Melania’s previous interactions with Trump, particularly during the inauguration, when she seemingly dodged his kiss. At that time, many people speculated that she strategically used her wide-brimmed hat as a “barrier.”
“Compared to the 1st Lady’s Inauguration hat, the hat Melania chose for this trip did not block Gavin’s kiss,” tweets one user.
A second quips, “The hat isn’t just fashion; it’s a defense mechanism!”
Another writes, “Come on, who [would] you rather? She sure didn’t have a problem letting Gavin find the right angle.”
Many people gave Melania a pass, saying that Newsom is “so much better looking and so much younger than the old orange guy.”
“I don’t blame Melania, Newsom is tall and handsome. She can’t get that at Mar a lago,” writes one cyber fan while another pens, “…[Melania] longs for an attractive and real man.”
Meanwhile, some netizens argue the kiss has been exaggerated by social media and attribute the moment to common social etiquette.
“They’re just being cordial and professional. Melania was by Donald’s side all day,” writes one. A second pens, “What’s so bad about it? It’s a kiss on the cheek. It’s polite.”
A third netizen offers, “Are people this petty to believe that a friendly peck on the cheek means something is going on between them?”
And another shares, “No big deal with that. That how civilized people greet each other in many parts of the world.”
The viral moment between Melania Trump and Gavin Newsom has become the talk of the internet, drawing humorous and speculative reactions. Whether it was a simple greeting or something more, one thing is clear – Melania’s fashion choices continue to steal the spotlight and fuel endless online conversations.
What do you think of the moment shared between the California governor and the first lady? Please share your thoughts with us and then share this story so we can hear from others!
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