People can't stop talking about the weird body language between Donald Trump and Melania
REUTERS/Amir Cohen
Over the last two days, Melania appeared to reject some of her husband's attempts to hold her hand in public (although they were seen holding hands on other occasions during the trip).
Twitter users and left-leaning media outlets jumped on the footage, arguing that it reflects a crumbling presidential relationship. Others praised Melania for "joining the resistance" against the Trump administration.
On Monday, the first lady appeared to swat away her husband's hand as he reached for hers while walking down a tarmac in Tel Aviv with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his wife, Sara.
The Netanyahus were holding hands and walking with Trump slightly ahead of Melania.
In another instance, Melania appeared to avoid another public hand-holding with the president as the couple deplaned in Rome on Tuesday.
Twitter reacted with memes, gifs, and video compilations.
One Twitter user dubbed the first lady "the Queen of Hand Shade."
The Independent, a left-leaning British newspaper, sought analysis from a body language expert, who called Melania's hand-swatting a deliberate rebuke of the president.
"He was walking way in front to show his power and putting his hand back to lead her like a child, her hand went under his and up and out to say 'No, you can't lead me like a child,'" body language expert Patti Wood said.
But the Trumps were also pictured holding hands on several occasions during the trip.
Thomson Reuters
Did Melania slap Donald Trump's hand away?! pic.twitter.com/UrCIAqCx5U
- TMZ (@TMZ) May 23, 2017
Trump and Melania arrive to Rome AF1 pic.twitter.com/JjXzgM6Ox3
- Daniella Diaz (@DaniellaMicaela) May 23, 2017
"She Hates Me" by Puddle of Mudd (2001), featuring Donald and Melania Trump pic.twitter.com/iMnepQo2Ey
- Parker Molloy (@ParkerMolloy) May 23, 2017
She's the Queen of Hand Shade https://t.co/sILeyghAFy
- Rick Wilson (@TheRickWilson) May 23, 2017
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