Was Michelle Obama Caught Off-Guard By Melania Trump's Gift?
WASHINGTON (CBSLA.com) — Video taken outside of the White House Friday captured what appeared to be an awkward greeting between two First Ladies.
In the video, President Barack and Michelle Obama are seen waiting to greet President Donald and Melania Trump ahead of their inauguration ceremony.
Melania exits the vehicle toting a Tiffany & Co. gift box, follows Donald up the steps, and offers the gift to Michelle mid-embrace.
She was seen hesitating for a moment before turning around to find that no one was able to hold her gift-wrapped box for her while the couples posed for a photo.
To some on social media, it appeared as though Michelle was caught off-guard by the gift based on her facial expression.
Melania giving Michelle her speech back #Inauguration pic.twitter.com/LOovRPHfJK
— TED (@Laughbook) January 20, 2017
There does appear to be a precedent for the gift-giving gesture: Mrs. Obama offered a wrapped present to her predecessor, former First Lady Laura Bush, in honor of the inauguration of President Barack Obama in 2009.