As Donald and Melania Trump made their red carpet exit from a press conference in Israel, the president appeared to reach for the first lady's hand — only to be rebuffed by a flick of his wife's wrist.
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The move might have been written off as an under-hand high-five — the new first couple's answer to the Obamas' trademark fist bump — were it not for its apparent repetition two days later. Standing on the steps of Air Force One, Mr Trump again reached for his wife's hand — prompting her to quickly pull her hand away from her, this time to brush a hair from her face.
Behavioral experts, historians and pundits offer opposing theories on the significance of the brush-off, and what it might say about the first lady and her relationship with the president.
Less disputed is the fact that Mrs Trump is gradually becoming a more assertive and visible figure on the political stage — one enigmatic gesture at a time.
After weeks of staying largely in the confines of her Manhattan Fifth Avenue residence and engaging in only limited public appearances, Mrs Trump is starting to take on a more, ahem, hands-on role at the White House.