Marco Rubio, Ivanka Trump share in jokes over awkward hug photo
Call it the hug heard ’round the world. Or, rather, the hug-that-almost-was heard ’round the world?
Florida Republican Sen. Marco Rubio and Ivanka Trump joined in on the social media laughs after a photo showing the pair in some sort of awkward embrace went viral.
The photo that started everything was snapped by Associated Press reporter Erica Werner and shared on her Twitter feed as Rubio and Trump prepared to discuss paid family leave at the Senate on Tuesday. In it, Rubio's face is blurred and his arms are reaching around Trump. Meanwhile, Trump's arms are at her side and some of her hair is flying in front of her face.
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Ivanka Trump arriving at the Capitol greeted by Sen Rubio. She's now meeting with lawmakers on child tax credit. pic.twitter.com/shhrD9kOnW
— Erica Werner (@ericawerner) June 20, 2017
Twitter users jumped on the moment, comparing it to other well-known awkward hugs.
I didn't think the Marco Rubio hug with Ivanka Trump was all that bad. #TheOffice pic.twitter.com/M8wBi5U2At
— Patrick Neville (@Patrick_Neville) June 20, 2017
This is what the picture of Rubio trying to hug Ivanka reminds me of pic.twitter.com/TSWiPvPQPV
— Caroline Sobek (@kebosenilorac) June 21, 2017
Rubio began tweeting that he was launching an “investigation” into the hug and the resulting photo.
“Just left Intel comm & informed meeting 2day with @IvankaTrump blowing up twitter over alleged failed hug! Investigating. Will respond soon,” Rubio tweeted.
Just left Intel comm & informed meeting 2day with @IvankaTrump blowing up twitter over alleged failed hug! Investigating. Will respond soon
— Marco Rubio (@marcorubio) June 20, 2017
Fresh off his Senate Intelligence Committee meeting, Rubio said he had “unclassified” evidence of the incident.
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We believe we have our own unclassified photographic evidence that will shed greater details on this incident.
— Marco Rubio (@marcorubio) June 20, 2017
We are also attempting to acquire multi-angle video which we believe will provide greater insight into this important matter.
— Marco Rubio (@marcorubio) June 20, 2017
Of course, witnesses were sought.
If you were filming at the Senate carriage entrance today between 11:20-11:25 am we are seeking your assistance with an active investigation
— Marco Rubio (@marcorubio) June 20, 2017
And then — the evidence! Rubio tweeted another shot of the encounter, this one with both his and Trump’s faces a blur.
New photo emerges providing more insight into alleged failed hug. (Faces blurred for security purposes) pic.twitter.com/GzSLe3JD3I
— Marco Rubio (@marcorubio) June 20, 2017
BREAKING NEWS: Additional photo from moments right after today's alleged failed hug provide new details to this developing story. pic.twitter.com/TFyhB2cQuM
— Marco Rubio (@marcorubio) June 20, 2017
Rubio even managed to slip in a "covfefe," a reference to a cryptic late-night tweet sent by President Donald Trump.
Based on review of evidence & my own recollection, have concluded no hug was even attempted & press covfefe of alleged failed hug is false
— Marco Rubio (@marcorubio) June 20, 2017
Trump soon tweeted her own response to the “investigation.”
🤗) https://t.co/TChrqWsL4D— Ivanka Trump (@IvankaTrump) June 20, 2017Anonymous sources say @marcorubio planned the alleged failed hug. I have no comment (but I would have hugged him anyway!
Fake news! Marco is an excellent hugger... https://t.co/Dk7XXRQlX8
— Ivanka Trump (@IvankaTrump) June 20, 2017
“There really needs to be more hugs in politics... even failed ones,” Trump’s brother, Donald Trump Jr., later tweeted.
😂 @marcorubio @IvankaTrump https://t.co/gD5L3Aw890— Donald Trump Jr. (@DonaldJTrumpJr) June 20, 2017There really needs to be more hugs in politics... even failed ones.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
