A recent public appearance by Donald and Melania Trump has reignited online speculation about their relationship, sparking a new wave of conspiracy theories and internet memes. For years, observers have highlighted Melania’s apparent discomfort with public affection, pointing to viral moments like the 2017 inauguration and an incident in Tel Aviv where she seemed to swat away Trump’s hand. These clips have often been interpreted as signs of marital strain. Despite Melania addressing these claims in her 2024 memoir Melania, where she explained such moments as simple spatial misunderstandings, the narrative surrounding their relationship remains a popular topic in the media and online spaces.

This ongoing fascination was recently reignited when a photo from a Les Misérables performance showed Trump holding only Melania’s thumb. The image quickly went viral, inspiring jokes and memes across social media. Users quipped that she might be charging him for hand-holding, with sarcastic comments like “Thumb goes for 10k” and “She charges extra for the whole hand.” Though these remarks are mostly humorous, they underscore the enduring public curiosity about the Trumps’ personal dynamics. Even minor, seemingly insignificant gestures continue to fuel conversation and speculation, highlighting how deeply the couple’s every move is scrutinized and how humor has become a common lens through which the public engages with their relationship.