Video footage has captured a moment between First Lady Melania Trump and California Governor Gavin Newsom that has sparked wild speculation online.

President Donald Trump and Melania were seen deplaning from Air Force One as they arrived in California on Thursday to meet with Governor Newsom.

Melania was then spotted eagerly accepting a kiss on the cheek from Newsom – a  moment that quickly went viral with wild rumors circulating online.

After the inauguration event, people criticized the First Lady for avoiding a kiss from her husband. However, many defended her, suggesting that the reason she dodged the kiss was due to her oversized hat.

Melania was also sporting a statement hat this time, but appeared to accept the kiss from the California governor without issues. 

Now some social media users are claiming Melania appeared more comfortable with Newsom than with her own husband. 

One user commented she was ‘using her hat as an excuse’ to avoid kissing Trump at the inauguration.

‘She has the hots for Gavin,’ one commenter joked.

Others offered more measured explanations and defended the First Lady’s actions.

Some social media users accused speculation-mongers of ‘stirring the pot’, arguing the interaction was perfectly innocent. 

Some individuals speculated that the real reason for the First Lady’s action was to prevent her makeup, particularly her foundation, from getting smudged during the inauguration. This theory emerged as a response to the controversy surrounding the alleged kiss avoidance.

The incident took place following a short encounter between the First Lady and her husband, during which they engaged in a series of unconventional handshakes before speaking to the press.

Trump said, ‘I appreciate the Governor coming out and meeting me.’

Newsom replied: ‘Thank you for being here… We’re going to need your support. We’re going to need your help.’

‘We’re going to need your help. You were there for us during COVID. I don’t forget that,’ Newsom continued. 

‘And I have all the expectations that we’ll be able to work together to get this speedy recovery.’   

This comes after many joked that she wore a wide brim hat in order to avoid her husband’s kisses at the inauguration.

Melania, 54, opted for a long, tailored navy-blue coat by American designer Adam Lippes, along with a pair of suede Manolo Blahnik heels and black leather gloves for the occasion.

Underneath the coat, she wore a white wrap top, adding a pop to the otherwise classic outfit.

However, the real star of the show was a large navy wide-brimmed hat with a flat top and white trimming, designed by Eric Javits – also an American brand.

The hat tied together her entire look, as she sported an elegant bun and tiny diamond studs.

When Trump leaned in for a peck, he was unable to even get to her cheek, as the hat blocked him.

‘Oh, now it makes sense. Melania wore the hat as a barrier to Trump’s lips. Got it.’ one X user wrote.

Another typed, ‘Smart. That hat kept Trump’s gnarly lips off Melania’s cheek when he entered the Capitol.’

‘Trump trying to kiss Melania under that hat is hilarious,’ a second user agreed.

One asserted, ‘Melania is 100 percent wearing that hat so that Trump can’t get close enough to kiss her.’

‘What the heck is this kind of kiss! Melanie wears a hat on purpose so he can’t reach her face LOL,’ a viewer shared.

But many defender the First Lady’s actions.  

‘The air kiss avoids smudging her meticulously applied makeup. In high-profile events, maintaining a flawless appearance is crucial, and direct contact could disrupt her makeup, especially with the added complexity of her hat. Opting for an air kiss allowed her to preserve her look while still engaging in a public display of affection.’

‘I actually think it’s cuz her hat was too damn big’ another wrote.