Melania Trump was attempting to “protect” husband Donald during a recent public appearance, onlookers claim.
The couple were seen at a rare military parade in Washington DC on Saturday (June 14), coinciding with the president’s 79th birthday celebrations.
Both Melania and Donald watched on as ‘Happy Birthday’ was played in tribute to the Army’s 250th anniversary.
The president was seen sitting rigidly as the song was performed, but onlookers picked up on a discreet move from his wife that they have likened to a ‘chess move’.
A video clip showcasing Melania and Donald Trump’s attendance was shared on X, where observers noticed the First Lady strategically positioning herself in front of her partner.
The user who uploaded the footage commented: “Why did he let Melania stand in front of him? They sang happy birthday, he didn’t move. He didn’t move until they brought out the Flag.”
While some found this odd, there were those who saw it as an opportunity for Melania to wield her influence as First Lady.
One individual wrote: “It’s a chess move – The Queen protects her King.”
Another added: “I just realized [sic] that he said the Army Knights. Knights like in chess?” A third chimed in: “Queen protects the King.”
A third has since suggested it could be a signal between the couple. They wrote: “It’s a chess move… when the queen is in front of the king in chess it means game over.”
It comes following a spate of ‘No Kings’ protests across the US, with demonstrators expressing their discontent with the current administration. Tensions escalated following Trump’s decision to deploy the National Guard to Los Angeles during a previous demonstration against his immigration policies.
California Governor Gavin Newsom and former Vice President Kamala Harris both slammed the move and aired their disapproval.
Trump doubled down on his actions, writing last week on Truth Social: “Looking really bad in L.A. BRING IN THE TROOPS!!!” He subsequently demanded: “ARREST THE PEOPLE IN FACE MASKS, NOW!”
Critics have since spoken out against Trump’s fiery rhetoric and the deployment of the National Guard, with former Vice President Harris issuing a statement denouncing what she described as Trump’s “dangerous escalation.”
Governor Newsom branded Trump a “stone cold liar”, accusing him of exacerbating the situation, stating: “Donald Trump is inflaming these conditions. This is Donald. Trump’s problem right now. And if he can’t solve it, we will.”