On social media, many viewers were stunned as a viral video showed ‘awkward’ footage of Trump seemingly snubbing RFK Jr.’s wife, Cheryl Hines, as she went in for a handshake.
A brief moment between Donald Trump and Cheryl Hines sparked online buzz and confusion
An awkward exchange between Donald Trump and Cheryl Hines went viral after UFC 314 in Florida. The moment left social media users debating what really happened.
Trump and RFK Jr. appeared at UFC 314 as political allies and public figures
Donald Trump attended UFC 314 on April 12 in Florida, where he crossed paths with Robert F. Kennedy Jr., his recently appointed U.S. Health Secretary.
RFK Jr., accompanied by his wife, actress Cheryl Hines, was seated ringside. Trump greeted Kennedy with a handshake and a half-hearted hug.
Then, ‘awkward’ footage of Trump snubbing RFK Jr.’s wife, Cheryl Hines, was captured — a viral moment on social media.
On the X platform, user @Complex shared a video capturing ‘awkward’ footage of Trump snubbing RFK Jr.’s wife, Cheryl Hines
As Hines extended her hand to greet Trump, cameras appeared to catch the former president turning away without acknowledging her.
Her surprised expression and visible shrug quickly sparked attention online. The clip aired live during ESPN’s UFC 314 coverage.
Social media exploded with comparisons to a scene from Curb Your Enthusiasm
Fans took to Twitter, comparing the moment to Hines’ TV role. One user joked it was “a real-life Curb Your Enthusiasm moment” caught on camera.
One person said: Donald Trump ignoring Cheryl Hines looked straight out of an awkward sitcom episode—too good to be re.
A second wrote: Not snubbing just leaving. Looking where he’s going.
While a third commented: I thinks she’s just gesturing wtf is that smell?!
Another added: Maybe she wasn’t wearing enough make up for him 
Someone else said: He’s acting like a spoiled little brat throwing tantrums.
Someone wrote: He circled around and shook her hand.
He noticed that her hands are bigger than his. Another user commented.
Additionally, others suggested the ‘Trump snub’ of Cheryl Hines was unintentional. While some called it a clear snub, others quickly came to Trump’s defense. Photos later surfaced of Trump chatting with both Hines and RFK Jr.
Critics and supporters clashed online over what really happened at the event
Some called the moment “savage,” while others labeled it a misunderstanding. “Trump has a lot going on—people are reading too much into a quick moment,” said one viewer.
Another posted: “Let’s stop turning every split-second camera clip into a political soap opera. It wasn’t a diss—it was a distraction.”
The handshake drama reflects growing scrutiny around Trump’s public behavior. Whether deliberate or accidental, the exchange sparked renewed focus on Trump’s body language, relationships with public figures, and current campaign strategy.
RFK Jr.’s growing visibility and alignment with Trump only fueled speculation about tensions or missteps within the alliance.