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Marco Rubio and Ivanka Trump respond to failed hug gags

  • Published
    21 June 2017
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Picture of awkward interaction between Sen> Marco Rubio and Ivanka TrumpImage source, @yasher/Twitter
Rozina Sini
BBC News

Ever had that awkward moment when you go in for a hug but the receiver doesn't really seem into it?

Republican Senator Marco Rubio knows the feeling. He was attending a business meeting on Tuesday with President Trump's daughter Ivanka when he was snapped in this failed interaction.

Social media users were quick to notice the weirdness.

One Twitter user posted:, external " Nothing about @IvankaTrump's body language invites this hug from @marcorubio."

While another joked:, external "Love to engage in that famous human show of affection, the hug."

*Rubio after waiting for two hours behind the pillarImage source, @donmoyn/Twitter

Twitter investigation

Hours after the awkward exchange Senator Rubio responded to the jokes being made at his expense with a series of humorous tweets.

Just left Intel comm & informed meeting 2day with @IvankaTrump blowing up twitter over alleged failed hug! Investigating. Will respond soonImage source, @marcorubio/Twitter

Minutes later and with the "investigation" underway, Rubio offered further evidence of the interaction.

We believe we have our own unclassified photographic evidence that will shed greater details on this incident.Image source, @marcorubio/Twitter
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We are also attempting to acquire multi-angle video which we believe will provide greater insight into this important matter.Image source, @marcorubio/Twitter

Senator Rubio then reaches out to social media users for help.

If you were filming at the Senate carriage entrance today between 11:20-11:25 am we are seeking your assistance with an active investigationImage source, @marcorubio/Twitter

One user obliged with this image:

Here's an alternate angle:Image source, @ItsActuallyHim/twitter

Later, the senator posted new pictures appearing to show a less awkward encounter. But the jokes kept on coming.

New photo emerges providing more insight into alleged failed hug. (Faces blurred for security purposes)Image source, @marcorubio/Twitter
BREAKING NEWS: Additional photo from moments right after today's alleged failed hug provide new details to this developing story.Image source, @marcorubio/Twitter

Finally Senator Rubio decided to close his investigation by claiming there was no hug.

Based on review of evidence & my own recollection, have concluded no hug was even attempted & press covfefe of alleged failed hug is falseImage source, @marcorubio/Twitter

What began as a joke about a embarrassing hug quickly turned into criticism as social media users responded to the senator's mock investigation.

One user tweeted:, external "Hilarious, sure, covfefe even thrown in, but can you, ya know, give us some details on the health care bill? thanks."

And another posted:, external "Dude you're already pretty bad at your job, don't be bad at comedy, too."

On Wednesday morning, hours after it seemed the matter was closed, there was a plot twist as Ivanka Trump herself took to Twitter with her own response:, external

"Anonymous sources say @marcorubio planned the alleged failed hug. I have no comment (but I would have hugged him anyway!)".

She tweeted again stating the whole thing was 'fake news' but confirmed a hug did take place and it was more than satisfactory.

Fake news! Marco is an excellent hugger...Image source, @IvankaTrump/Twitter

By the UGC and Social News Team

You can follow BBC Trending on Twitter @BBCtrending, and find us on Facebook. All our stories are at bbc.com/trending.

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