A recent public appearance by Donald and Melania Trump has reignited longstanding conspiracy theories and internet speculation about their relationship. Social media users, known for dissecting the couple’s every move, have once again turned their attention to Melania’s body language and apparent reluctance toward public affection.

This scrutiny dates back to 2017, when during Trump’s inauguration, an awkward moment involving a missed kiss sparked widespread commentary. Later that year, during a trip to Tel Aviv, Melania appeared to swat away Trump’s hand on the red carpet, a gesture many interpreted as a public rebuke. Similar moments followed over the years, further fueling narratives of marital tension.

In her 2024 memoir Melania, the former First Lady addressed the speculation. She claimed the hand-swatting incidents were innocent misinterpretations, often due to spatial or situational constraints. Melania wrote that the media unfairly twisted such moments into signs of marital discord, reinforcing what she described as a false narrative.

Despite her clarification, social media users recently revived a tongue-in-cheek theory: that Melania charges Trump to hold her hand. This came after a viral photo at a Les Misérables performance showed Trump grasping only her thumb. The image inspired a wave of sarcastic comments suggesting a humorous “pricing system” for hand-holding.

While clearly comedic in tone, the incident reflects a persistent public fascination with the Trump marriage. It also demonstrates how even minor, seemingly trivial gestures between public figures can rapidly spark viral discussions and feed into broader narratives and speculation.