'Melania is trying to hide': Viewers say awkward Trump graduation photo has story to tell
Former President Donald Trump fought a hard battle to appear at his son Barron's graduation day Friday amid a hush money trial. Thanks to a hat, how Melania feels about that choice is anyone's guess.
The black-rimmed straw hat in question appears atop Melania in a Reuters photograph capturing Barron's graduation ceremony at Oxbridge Academy’s football field in West Palm Beach, Florida.
As a scowling former president leans in to speak to Melania's father, she faces rigidly forward with a stern face hidden in shadow.
Trump's appearance at his youngest son's graduation comes amid an ongoing trial in New York City where adult film star Stormy Daniels testified she had an affair with Trump in 2006, one year after he and Melania were married.
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Testimony has included references to Playboy model Karen McDougal, who says she and Trump had an affair while Melania had recently given birth to Barron.
Trump was allowed to appear at Barron's graduation thanks to a ruling from Justice Juan Merchan, in whose courtroom Melania has yet to appear. Nor has Melania accompanied her husband to presidential campaign events outside of Mar-a-Lago.
This may be why Melania's public appearance next to Trump Friday spurred such interest on social media, where a Reuters photo of the couple quickly went viral and theories were rampant.
"Melania doesn’t look very happy," replied X user Michelle.
"They always look so happy," @lindamaryjean said of the couple.
"Melania looks miserable," Peggy C agreed. "I think she would pull that hat all the way over her face if she could. Poor Barron."
"Melania is trying to hide," posited @PhillfromPhilly.
@melissa_minarik added, "She thought she was going alone."
X user @BirdieBagwell, quipped of Melania's father, "Why is Bill Barr there?
@GuyCSmith1 added "Milania [sic] wearing her hat like a gangster."