Former President George W. Bush once again captured the internet’s attention, not for his political legacy but for his animated expressions during Donald Trump’s inauguration as the 47th President of the United States. The quirky moments, which quickly went viral, also became the centerpiece of the Bush family’s group chat, according to Jenna Bush Hager, his daughter.
Speaking on Tuesday’s episode of NBC’s Today show, Jenna shared how her father’s unexpected viral fame had the entire family in stitches. “You all already guessed what moment has been blowing up our family group chat,” the 43-year-old co-host began. “Yeah, my dad went viral for these cutaway shots during yesterday’s broadcast. The internet’s obsessed with his little smile and goofy expressions.”
A Viral Hit With a Presidential Twist
Social media exploded with reactions after viewers noticed George, 78, pulling a range of amusing facial expressions during the ceremony. From raising his eyebrows to stifling laughter, Bush’s candid reactions drew attention as he stood alongside former First Lady Laura Bush, Barack Obama, and Hillary Clinton.
“He sat next to a bad influence,” Jenna joked, referencing Obama’s playful demeanor. A clip showed a staffer asking Bush if he planned to behave, to which Obama interjected, “Nope!” The camaraderie between the two former presidents is well-documented, and Jenna noted their unusual friendship, adding, “I just love how when they’re together, they become unusual friends.”
Bush’s comedic timing was on full display when Obama leaned over to whisper something that sent the former president into hysterics. Lip readers speculated that Obama joked, “How can we stop what’s happening?” though it remains unclear if he was referencing Trump’s second term or something specific to the event.
Jenna’s Take on Watching Her Family in the Spotlight
Later on Today’s Fourth Hour, Jenna compared watching the inauguration to attending “your kid’s holiday concert.” She explained, “You don’t really care about the whole scene. You’re just zooming in right on your kid. That’s a little bit about how we watch an inauguration in my family.”
When actress Scarlett Johansson, her co-host for the segment, asked about the Bush family dynamic, Jenna revealed her dad’s tendency to go viral for the simplest actions. “He didn’t do anything, that’s just what his face looks like,” she joked, referring to his laughter and eye-rolling that had social media in a frenzy.
A Message of Unity Amid Divisiveness
Jenna also reflected on the significance of her father’s bond with Obama, emphasizing the importance of finding common ground during divisive times. “I think it shows that even in divisive times, we have so much more that unites us. Let’s pray for that,” she said.
The former president’s lighthearted antics offered a moment of levity during the high-stakes event. Alongside Bush, other moments gained traction online, including Lauren Sanchez’s daring fashion choice and Melania Trump’s symbolic hat.
George W. Bush, known for his unique charm and humor, once again proved that his ability to connect with people transcends politics.
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.