Donald Trump’s attempt to plant a kiss on wife Melania’s face upon his arrival at the Capitol Rotunda today for his inauguration was utterly thwarted by an aspect of her clothing.

Trump was the final politician to be welcomed into the hall today (20 January) following previous presidents, including Bill and Hillary Clinton, George W. and Laura Bush, and Barack Obama.

Outgoing president Joe Biden and former VP Kamala Harris were amongst the final attendees to receive their welcome into the festivities.

Trump’s family – including his five children and Melania – were already awaiting him at the time, after which Trump approached them.

As Trump made his way towards Melania, he leaned in for a kiss, but was met with an unexpected barrier. Melania was wearing a face mask, as per Covid-19 regulations, and Trump’s attempt to kiss her cheek was met with the fabric of her mask, leaving him slightly confused and flustered.

The moment was captured on camera, and soon went viral on social media, with many people expressing confusion and amusement at the awkward interaction. Some joked that even in his final moments as president, Trump couldn’t catch a break when it came to public displays of affection with his wife.

While the moment may have been unintentionally comical, it also highlighted the ongoing impact of the Covid-19 pandemic on everyday interactions. The image of a husband attempting to kiss his wife, only to be stopped by a face mask, served as a reminder of the new normal that we are all living in.

Of course, the moment also sparked speculation and debate online, with some questioning the nature of Trump and Melania’s relationship. Some saw it as a sign of a lack of intimacy between the couple, while others dismissed it as a simple and relatable mishap.

Regardless of how people interpreted the moment, it was clear that Trump’s attempt to kiss Melania had people talking. As the couple made their way through the inauguration festivities, the incident served as a lighthearted moment in an otherwise serious and historic event.

In the end, the awkward kiss moment may have been quickly forgotten amidst the larger events of the day, but it provided a brief moment of levity and entertainment for those watching at home. And who knows, maybe Trump and Melania will look back on the moment and share a laugh at the odd circumstances that surrounded his final moments as president.