There’s more to this photo of a ‘tender’ moment between President Donald Trump and Melania

THE photo appears to show a tender moment between President Donald Trump and his wife Melania. But that’s not quite the full story.

US President Donald Trump walks with First Lady Melania Trump. Picture: AFP Trump mum on Mueller, Melania stumbles

WE ARE used to seeing awkward moments between US President Donald Trump and his wife Melania.

Video of her appearing to swat his hand away went viral at the beginning of his presidency, and screen grabs of uncomfortable moments between the pair have filled Trump’s critics with glee.

And so that’s why when images surfaced this morning of a seemingly tender moment between husband and wife, it was worthy of note.

The picture shows the pair with their arms around each other heading towards the Marine One helicopter on the White House lawn.

But it’s not quite as it seems.

Donald Trump walks with First Lady Melania Trump. Picture: AFP

Rather than a spontaneous hug as they headed across the lawn, it turns out Mr Trump was saving his wife from taking a massive stumble.

Melania Trump looses her footing while walking across the South Lawn of the White in Washington. Picture: AP

The First Lady’s high-heeled boots got the better of her and she appeared to roll her ankle as she headed for the chopper.

US President Donald catches First Lady Melania Trump as she trips. Picture: AFP

She seemed to reward her husband for his helpful gesture with a rare public display of affection.

US President Donald Trump walks with First Lady Melania Trump. Picture: AFP

The First Lady was accompanying the President as he flew to New Hampshire to unveil plans to tackle the opioid crisis in the US.

During his speech Mr Trump officially proposed imposing the death penalty for certain drug dealers, arguing that the federal government is “wasting our time” if it isn’t willing to put some traffickers to death.

President Donald Trump takes the podium to speak about his plan to combat opioid drug addiction. Picture: AP

It’s been a rough period for the couple, after news of an alleged affair between the President and porn star Stormy Daniels made headlines.

Mr Trump is now reportedly seeking $US20 million ($A26 million) in damages from Ms Daniels, claiming through his lawyer that the porn actor violated a nondisclosure agreement by speaking publicly about the alleged affair.

President Donald Trump and Stormy Daniels. Picture: AFP

Daniels is set to give a tell-all interview on 60 Minutes in the US this Sunday.