Bush gives Obama a belly tap at Carter funeral

Former President Bush gave former President Obama a belly tap at the funeral on Thursday for the late President Carter, a moment caught on camera and then shared widely on social media.

When Bush entered the pew with the other presidents, Obama stood for him, but President-elect Trump and the incoming first lady, Melania Trump, both stayed seated.

As Bush went to take the seat near Obama, the older president gave Obama a brief backhand belly tap. Obama in turn patted Bush’s back, returning the friendly gesture.

Bush did not interact in that moment with Trump, seemingly ignoring him.

The Bushes and Obamas have shared a number of friendly interactions in recent years, notable moments amid heavy political polarization in the country.

Bush and former first lady Michelle Obama in particular have been at the center of multiple viral interactions, including at the 2016 opening of the African American History Museum.

The interaction between former Presidents Obama and Bush took place as all five living presidents gathered on Thursday at Washington National Cathedral to attend Carter’s funeral service.

Obama also exchanged pleasantries with the incoming president, with the former Democratic leader chuckling at times.

Carter died Dec. 29 at the age of 100 and was given a state funeral in Washington, D.C., on Thursday after he lied in state at the Capitol for the public to pay their respects this week. President Biden, at Carter’s request, delivered the eulogy.