America’s 249th Fourth of July celebration had everything you’d expect. A picnic on the White House lawn, soaring flyovers by B-2 Bombers, F-22s, and F-35s, and the 47th president basking in the spotlight after signing his controversial Big Beautiful Bill budget package.
But for many people online, the real fireworks didn’t come from the sky. They came from the White House balcony, in the form of Donald Trump and Melania Trump’s now-infamous holiday kiss moment. Yes, they are under scrutiny for yet another failed kissing attempt.
Did you see the kiss?
President Trump and First Lady Melania shared a tender moment during the spectacular fireworks show this Independence Day.
God bless America. We hope you have a wonderful July 4th weekend celebrating America’s freedom and independence. pic.twitter.com/YopBG7Newg
— One America News (@OANN) July 5, 2025
It was supposed to be a picture-perfect moment. Red, white, blue, and a presidential peck on the cheek. Instead, it quickly turned into another instant classic in the saga of the Trump PDA blooper reel. As Trump leaned in for a kiss, he missed the first time and tried again, finally landing a brief peck. The crowd cheered, proving you can never underestimate the power of a second try. But the internet had… other reactions.
Reactions on X were appreciating but Instagram comments turned it to a meme feast. When TMZ posted the video on Instagram, the commentary was swift, brutal, and, let’s be honest, entertaining in the way only social media can be. “She looks mortified for this once per year occurrence!” one person wrote, capturing the vibe of every spouse who’s had to endure an awkward forced photo at a family reunion.
Another user instructed everyone to “Look at her facial expression tho.”
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Of course, the creativity didn’t stop there. “Kiss me or I’ll deport you!!!” one commenter joked, pretending to speak as Trump during the holiday moment. Another suggested, “Oh they must be talking about the phantom kiss. And the pushing away she’s doing while he’s trying to force her to stay close. That one?”
Another user kept it simple. “That’s a beautiful photo haha xD she looks disgusted haha.” Another user joked, “What horror movie is this? Name please.” The comments kept pouring in with another user saying, “That wasn’t in her contract. I bet that cost him bigly.”
For those who like a good contract theory, there was even this gem. “I wonder if Melania’s negotiated appearance fees include a line that she can remain arms length distance away from Mr. Trump. And if Mr Trump holds her hand or kisses her on cheek or forehead, she get more $$$.”
“She looks uncomfortable as hell. Can’t blame her,” noted a fifth person, likely channeling anyone who’s ever dodged a public kiss they weren’t in the mood for.
But let’s be fair. It wasn’t exactly unexpected. The couple’s history of, let’s say, less-than-natural public displays of affection is well documented. During Trump’s inauguration on January 20, their big moment included an awkward air kiss, with Melania subtly turning her head to offer her cheek instead.
President Donald Trump and First Lady Melania Trump enjoy fireworks on Independence Day at the White House pic.twitter.com/eu6pO9niVX
— RSBN 🇺🇸 (@RSBNetwork) July 5, 2025
They kept the tradition alive during campaign events too. At Madison Square Garden in October, their interactions were so stiff they went viral. Even on their trip from Palm Beach to Washington for the inauguration, people couldn’t stop talking about Melania’s frosty vibe.
Even during rare, warmer moments, like when Trump slipped his arm around Melania’s waist on their way to Marine One in April for Pope Francis’ funeral, social media lit up analyzing it like a Zapruder film. Every tiny gesture, glance, or half-smile between them seems destined to be dissected, memed, and turned into pop culture commentary about modern political marriages.
In theory, the Fourth of July event was supposed to showcase American strength and unity. Fireworks lit up the Washington sky, military aircraft flexed their power, and the President declared victory with his new bill.
But in the end? The moment everyone remembered most was a simple, slightly awkward, blink-and-you’ll-miss-it kiss on a balcony. That came as a proof that even with all the power in the world, relationships still make for the best reality TV.
