Obama and Bush Share Cheeky Moment at Trump’s Inauguration Amid Rumors of Personal Drama
Presidents George W. Bush and Barack Obama shake hands after Jimmy Carter’s funeral service on Jan. 9, 2025. Chip Somodevilla/Getty
Former presidents Barack Obama and George W. Bush shared a lighthearted moment at Donald Trump’s inauguration on Monday, January 20, catching the attention of viewers and sparking online discussion. A brief exchange between the two was captured on camera, where Obama appeared to whisper something to Bush, leaving him chuckling.
Lip reader Jeremy Freeman analyzed the footage and offered his interpretation of the conversation. According to Radar Online, Freeman claimed Obama leaned in and asked Bush, “How can we stop what’s happening?” The comment reportedly prompted Bush to laugh, adding a playful tone to the otherwise formal event.
The moment wasn’t the only display of camaraderie between the former presidents. As they waited to take their seats in the Capitol Rotunda, Obama appeared upbeat, sharing smiles and gestures with others around him. When later asked by reporter Emily Davies if he behaved himself during the inauguration, Obama quipped, “Just barely.”
Meanwhile, Bush’s daughter, Jenna Bush Hager, weighed in on her father’s viral expressions during the event. Bush was seen making animated faces, including raised eyebrows, winks, and subtle smiles, which quickly became an internet sensation.
Addressing the viral footage on the Today Show, Bush Hager joked, “You all already guessed what moment has been blowing up our family group chat. Yeah, my dad went viral for these cutaway shots during yesterday’s broadcast.” She humorously speculated that he might have been reacting to eye contact with someone in the audience, adding, “He didn’t do anything. I mean, that’s just what his face looks like.”
However, the lighthearted moments at Trump’s inauguration also coincided with speculation about Obama’s personal life. Notably, Michelle Obama did not accompany her husband to the inauguration, nor did she attend former President Jimmy Carter’s state funeral earlier in January. This absence fueled rumors of marital strain between the Obamas.
A source reportedly told Radar Online, “The Obamas are having a tough time, there’s no doubt about that… Michelle felt let down by it all.” The insider added, “They’re more like friends at the moment. The spark has gone, and they’re simply going through the motions.”
While Obama and Bush’s playful exchange provided a rare glimpse of levity during a politically charged event, the ongoing rumors surrounding Obama’s marriage brought a more personal layer to the day’s headlines.
