A Belly Tap and a Snub: Bush, Obama, and Trump at Carter’s Funeral
A brief interaction between former presidents George W. Bush, Barack Obama, and Donald Trump at Jimmy Carter’s funeral has ignited online discussion and drawn sharp criticism from former Trump advisor Steve Bannon.
Video footage shows Bush arriving at his seat in Washington National Cathedral, where Trump and Melania Trump were already seated alongside Obama. Bush appeared to bypass Trump, offering Obama a friendly tap on the belly before taking his seat. This gesture, captured in a two-second clip, quickly went viral, garnering tens of millions of views.
Bannon’s Outburst: Criticism of Bush and Obama
Steve Bannon, in his podcast, condemned Bush for not acknowledging Trump. “Bush walked past Trump, the man fixing the mess he created, without an ounce of humility,” Bannon stated, labeling Bush one of the “worst presidents in the history of the country.” He also criticized Obama’s initial interaction with Trump, though the two were later seen conversing. Bannon’s comments reflect the ongoing political divisions and tensions even in a setting meant for remembrance and unity.
A Moment of Presidential Unity? Contrasting Interpretations
While the gathering of five living presidents – Biden, Trump, Obama, Bush, and Clinton – at the funeral offered a rare image of presidential unity, interpretations of the interactions varied widely. Some observers focused on the brief exchange between Obama and Trump as a sign of civility, while others, like Bannon, highlighted the perceived slights and snubs. The viral clip of Bush’s belly tap added another layer to the narrative, prompting both amusement and analysis of the complex relationships between these prominent figures.
Beyond the Viral Moment: A Solemn Occasion
Despite the focus on these brief interactions, the primary purpose of the gathering was to honor former President Jimmy Carter, who died at age 100. The funeral service brought together leaders from across the political spectrum to pay their respects to a man who dedicated his life to public service.
Further Observations
- Following the ceremony, Bush shook hands with both Obama and Trump.
- Michelle Obama did not attend the funeral.
- Trump did not place his hand over his heart during the processional or recessional.
- Trump later commented on his interaction with Obama, stating they “probably do” like each other despite their differing philosophies.