Jenna Bush Hager is under fire after comparing Beyoncé’s viral reaction at the 2025 Grammy Awards to her father, former President George W. Bush’s expression at Donald Trump’s second inauguration.
During a segment on Today with Jenna & Friends, Hager and guest host Ego Nwodim discussed Beyoncé’s surprised reaction after winning Best Country Album. The moment, which quickly spread across social media, reminded Hager of her father’s famous meme-worthy expressions.
Beyoncé’s Grammy Moment Sparks Unlikely Comparison
“When she won, she was surprised, and it led to this really great meme,” Hager said. Nwodim chimed in, joking that Beyoncé’s expression looked like she was about to do the robot dance.
Hager then drew a connection to her father’s viral moment at Trump’s 2017 inauguration, where his facial expressions became internet-famous.
“Social media really went to town, and I was happy because my dad also made a couple of facial expressions at the inauguration,” Hager remarked as the show displayed side-by-side images of Beyoncé and Bush, 78. “He didn’t do anything, and she didn’t do anything. They just looked surprised or delighted—bewildered… for different reasons.”
The lighthearted moment, however, did not sit well with many viewers.
Social Media Backlash and Viewer Criticism
Many fans took issue with Hager linking the globally celebrated artist to her father, whose presidency remains controversial due to the Iraq War.
“Apparently, Jenna thinks her dad’s behavior was becoming of a former president. I don’t see anything funny about his facial expressions,” one Yahoo! commenter wrote. “He should have stayed home. I think they all have forgotten he left office as a very unpopular president and he started a war where many, many died.”
Reactions on X (formerly Twitter) were mixed. Some users laughed off the comparison, while others expressed frustration.
“So true… LOL,” one person wrote. Another quipped, “But only one of them is really from Texas,” referencing Beyoncé’s Houston roots and Bush’s Connecticut birthplace.
Jenna Bush Hager’s Past Comments on Viral Bush Moments
This is not the first time Hager has addressed her father’s internet fame. Following Trump’s 2017 inauguration, she discussed Bush’s reactions on Today, revealing that their family group chat had been flooded with memes.
“Everybody has been talking about yesterday’s inauguration, but you all already guessed what moment has been blowing up our family group chat,” she said at the time. She later joked about Bush sitting next to former President Barack Obama, who playfully told him to behave.
Meanwhile, Beyoncé continues to make history, adding to her record-breaking 35 Grammy wins, the most of any artist. Former President Obama has also earned Grammy recognition, winning twice for Best Spoken Word Album in 2006 and 2008.
While Hager’s comment was likely meant in jest, it has reignited conversations about public figures, viral moments, and the power of social media reactions.
Jaja has a degree in journalism and took classes in international law and business communication. Her career spans roles at prominent international media outlets, including International Business Times, Celebeat and Delightful Philippines. As a news editor, Jaja covered a wide range of beats, including legal, business, economy, cryptocurrency, personal finance, gaming, technology, and entertainment.