Former President George W. Bush went viral on Thursday at the opening of the Barack Obama Presidential Center on Thursday, when he rekindled his friendship with former first lady Michelle Obama by offering her some Altoids.
The gift was a playful callback to a moment that first captured public attention nearly a decade ago, during the funeral of Sen. John McCain, when cameras caught Bush discreetly passing Michelle Obama a mint as they sat next to each other.
The brief interaction quickly gained traction online, becoming a symbol of warm friendship and bipartisanship.
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Former President Barack Obama and former President Bill Clinton watch as former President George W. Bush, gives former first lady Michelle Obama mints ahead of the dedication ceremony at the Obama Presidential Center, Thursday, June 18, 2026, in Chicago. (AP Photo/Pablo Martinez Monsivais, Pool) -
Former President Joe Biden and former first lady Jill Biden, from left, former President Barack Obama and former first lady Michelle Obama, former President George W. Bush and former first lady Laura Bush, and former President Bill Clinton and former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, pose for a photo ahead of the dedication ceremony at the Obama Presidential Center, Thursday, June 18, 2026, in Chicago. (AP Photo/Pablo Martinez Monsivais, Pool) -
California Gov. Gavin Newsom, right, speaks with Oprah Winfrey ahead of the Obama Presidential Center dedication ceremony Thursday, June 18, 2026, in Chicago. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon) -
Conan O’Brien mingles ahead of the Obama Presidential Center dedication ceremony Thursday, June 18, 2026, in Chicago. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon) -
Former Secretary of State Antony Blinken arrives ahead of the Obama Presidential Center dedication ceremony Thursday, June 18, 2026, in Chicago. (AP Photo/Jeff Roberson) -
Sen. Mark Kelly, D-Ariz., left, and his wife, former Rep. Gabby Giffords, D-Ariz., arrive ahead of the Obama Presidential Center dedication ceremony Thursday, June 18, 2026, in Chicago. (AP Photo/Jeff Roberson) -
LL Cool J arrives ahead of the Obama Presidential Center dedication ceremony Thursday, June 18, 2026, in Chicago. (AP Photo/Jon Cherry) -
Stephen Colbert mingles ahead of the Obama Presidential Center dedication ceremony Thursday, June 18, 2026, in Chicago. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon) -
Former President Barack Obama, right, shares a laugh with former first lady Michelle Obama, left, on stage during the dedication ceremony for the Obama Presidential Center, Thursday, June 18, 2026, in Chicago. (AP Photo/Jeff Roberson) -
Former Vice President Kamala and her husband Douglas Emhoff, are introduced at the dedication ceremony for the Obama Presidential Center, Thursday, June 18, 2026, in Chicago. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon) -
Former President George W. Bush laughs with former first lady Michelle Obama as former first lady Jill Biden and former first lady Laura Bush watch, ahead of the dedication ceremony at the Obama Presidential Center, Thursday, June 18, 2026, in Chicago. (AP Photo/Pablo Martinez Monsivais, Pool) -
Former first lady Jill Biden, from left, former first lady Michelle Obama, former first lady Laura Bush and former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, pose for a photo ahead of the dedication ceremony at the Obama Presidential Center, Thursday, June 18, 2026, in Chicago. (AP Photo/Pablo Martinez Monsivais, Pool) -
Former President Joe Biden, from left, former President Barack Obama, former President George W. Bush, and former President Bill Clinton, pose for a photo ahead of the dedication ceremony at the Obama Presidential Center, Thursday, June 18, 2026, in Chicago. (AP Photo/Pablo Martinez Monsivais, Pool) -
Former President Barack Obama looks on from the stage during the dedication ceremony for the Obama Presidential Center, Thursday, June 18, 2026, in Chicago. (AP Photo/Jeff Roberson) -
Sasha Obama, left, and Malia Obama sit on stage during the dedication ceremony for the Obama Presidential Center, Thursday, June 18, 2026, in Chicago. (AP Photo/Jeff Roberson) -
Former President Bill Clinton smiles as former President George W. Bush gives former first lady Michelle Obama mints ahead of the dedication ceremony at the Obama Presidential Center, Thursday, June 18, 2026, in Chicago. (AP Photo/Pablo Martinez Monsivais, Pool) -
Former President Barack Obama, right, talks with his wife, former first lady Michelle Obama, on stage during the dedication ceremony for the Obama Presidential Center, Thursday, June 18, 2026, in Chicago. (AP Photo/Jeff Roberson)
Bush’s family hinted that another Altoid exchange might be in the works, according to People. Jenne Bush Hager revealed that her father had stocked up on the mints ahead of the gathering, ensuring the tradition would continue when he saw her again.
Over the years, Michelle Obama has spoken fondly of Bush, describing him as a friend despite their differing political views.
Bush has shared a number of lighthearted interactions with the former first lady, normally at events like state funerals and inaugurations.
OBAMA’S $850 MILLION PRESIDENTIAL CENTER OPENS WITHOUT AN INVITATION FOR TRUMP
The Obama Presidential Center was formally dedicated in Chicago’s Jackson Park, drawing former Presidents Barack Obama, Bill Clinton, Bush, and Joe Biden, along with prominent political leaders, celebrities, and guests. President Donald Trump was not part of the ceremony.
The center, which opens to the public on June 19, also known as Juneteenth, includes a museum, public library, and recreational facilities.
