Donald Trump’s intimate gesture toward Melania, in front of King Charles and Queen Camilla sparks major backlash

Trump gives Melania a 'love tap' before official event with the King of England at the White House.

Patriot. pic.twitter.com/3fBmSvhZ2o

— Benny Johnson (@bennyjohnson) April 28, 2026

“Imagine if Biden or Obama were feeling on their wife’s ass in public next to the Royal Family,” a third suggested. “But when it’s Trump, it’s a patriotic love tap. I am laughing my ass off rn.”

Others, however, have defended the father-of-five, describing the controversial gesture as commonplace within a marriage.

“It is a sign of genuine affection between husband and wife.”

King Charles III and Queen Camilla received a full ceremonial welcome with a 21-gun salute after landing in Washington, D.C

Another agreed: “I’ve done that to my girlfriend before it’s just a habit when you’re comfortable with someone – doesn’t seem like a big deal to me.”

This isn’t the first time since the King and Queen landed in the US that Trump has come under fire for his hotly-debated hand gestures.

The American leader also came under fire for placing a hand firmly on Charles’ arm after the British monarch emerged from his vehicle, as if to be pulling the 76-year-old royal purposefully in his directio, after which he was accused of breaking major rules.

“My wife and I frequently (as recently as this morning) give each other little love taps like the one Trump gave Melania,” one claimed

What was on the menu at the White House state dinner?

First course

Hearts of palm salad and garden herb velouté sauce with toasted shallots.

Second course

Handcrafted spring herb ravioli with herbs from the White House Kitchen Garden, filled with creamy ricotta, morels, with a light parmesan emulsion.

Main course

Dover sole meunière in a nutty brown butter with tender spring ramps, sweet snow peas, layered potatoes pavé, and a parsley oil.

Dessert

Beehive-shaped chocolate gâteau with a vanilla bean crémeux custard, set inside with an almond joconde, served with crème fraîche ice cream and White House honey.

Drinks

A selection of wines was also presented to ‘complement the menu while honouring the shared heritage and enduring friendship between the United States and the United Kingdom’, the White House said.