Trump’s awkward gesture towards Pence caught on camera

A RARE display of public affection has made for a rather awkward moment between Donald Trump and Mike Pence.

Trump’s awkward gesture towards Pence caught on camera. Picture: Mandel Ngan/AFP

A RARE display of public affection made for a rather awkward moment between Donald Trump and Mike Pence, after the United States president’s compassionate gesture appeared to be poorly received.

President Trump, along with the First lady Melania Trump and Vice President Pence, attended the memorial service for Reverend Billy Graham at the US Capitol building in Washington.

Mr Graham was a famed evangelist who died last week aged 99, with thousands of people gathering in Washington to honour his life.

It was understandably an emotional day for many people and Mr Trump seemed to pick up that Mr Pence might need a little reminder that he was there for support.

So, like any loving president would do for their vice president pal, he reached across his wife to place a tender hand on Mr Pence’s thigh.

Notice the tender but firm grasp. Picture: Mandel Ngan/AFP

However, the Vice President didn’t seem to appreciate the loving gesture and appeared to be visibly uncomfortable, with his lips pressed tightly together and hands gripping the bottom of his suit jacket.

The photo has been shared around social media, with people claiming they just can’t stop looking at the awkward scene.

I can't stop laughing at this photo of Donald Trump touching Mike Pence's thigh. https://t.co/yqSBXOOqpc pic.twitter.com/eyFKNK0Wxp

— Saira Khan (@sairakh) February 28, 2018

“I was able to complete a conference call while staring at this photo the whole time,” one Twitter user wrote.

“Dude! Your wife is right there!” another said.

Melania: Don’t touch me.

Trump: Not going to touch you, I’m reaching for Mike.

Pence: Bad touch. BAD TOUCH.

— Nolamama69 (@Nolamama69) February 28, 2018

In stark contrast to Mr Pence’s visible discomfort, people have pointed out that Melania looked pretty content with the whole situation.

One user asked: “Why is Melania smiling so much when Trump has his hand on Pence’s leg. That is just making her glow!”

“Melania seems relieved it’s not hers,” another person wrote.

Other social media users suggested that Mr Trump never intended to touch Mr Pence at all, but just overshot when reaching for Melania’s leg.

“He was reaching for Melania and she moved out of the way, so Pence got the grab. Trump can’t tell the difference and Pence is just waiting to move into the driver’s seat, so he has to pretend he doesn’t notice,” someone explained.

Was it a simple mistake or an awkward moment born from a comforting gesture? We may never know.