US3 min(s) read
Published 09:18 23 Apr 2026 GMT
Former US President George W. Bush has revealed the truth behind a viral moment that he shared with Michelle Obama.
The viral moment took place at a funeral for former Senator John McCain, where the former Republican leader and the ex-First Lady could be seen exchanging words.
Many were shocked by the closeness of the pair, especially given the fact that they are on two opposite sides of the political landscape.
It may seem inconceivable in this day and age, but it is possible for people who disagree politically to get along as human beings.
The hectic nature of elections, including campaigns and debates, can make people forget that those involved are people too.
Bush and Obama have revealed that they can make a friendship work across the divide, having been seen together numerous times at functions.
One of the most notable moments came at the aforementioned funeral in September 2018, with Bush finally addressing the incident in a recent interview.
Speaking to his daughter, TODAY journalist Jenna Bush Hager, the 43rd President said that it caused commotion on social media.
"I get a little antsy, as I’m sure you know. And I was sitting next to Michelle, that’s who I sit next to at funerals," the 79-year-old joked.
Official protocol states that a former president will sit beside a former first lady (Obama) for events.
He went on: "I was kinda teasing her and stuff, and I slipped her an Altoid. Not as a joke, but I thought she might want one," which confirmed that a mint was handed over between the two.
Many thought it may have been candy, but online users have found the new revelation to be quite amusing, as one wrote: “So George W basically suggested to Michael Obama that she had bad breath without actually saying it.”
Another added on X: “Bush just wanted mints and peace.”
A third got a jab in at the current President, writing: "When American Presidents and their wives acted with dignity and morals, sure do miss that."
Bush reflected on the moment, which he didn't think much of, telling his daughter: "And I got in the car afterwards and you said, 'You’re trending’. I didn’t know what trending meant."
He suggested that this may be due to the fact that people don't see political figures from different parties being so cordial.
"It turns out the country is starved to see," he explained, "a white center-right Republican and an African-American center-left Democrat having fun, and being able to converse, not as political figures, but as citizens."
The pair also shared a wholesome hug at the National Museum of African American History and Culture in 2016.
The former First Lady also spoke to TODAY months after the moment unfolded, explaining: “President Bush and I, we are forever seatmates because of protocol, and that’s how we sit at all the official functions,
“He’s my partner-in-crime at every major thing where all the ‘formers’ gather. So we’re together all the time.”
She claimed: “I love him to death. He’s a wonderful man, he’s a funny man.”
