No beating about the bush for Trump

Washington – Awkward handshakes, folded arms and a forward stare.

President Donald Trump joined the group of living exUS presidents on Wednesday to commemorate the life of former President George HW Bush, but in a service characterised by emotion, warmth between the current and former occupants of the White House was decidedly absent.

Trump shook hands awkwardly with his predecessor, Barack Obama, and former first lady Michelle Obama as he took his place in the front row in the Washington National Cathedral.

He did not reach out to former President Bill Clinton or former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, who were seated next to the Obamas. Hillary, who lost to Trump in the 2016 presidential election, nodded but did not smile as the one-time New York businessperson and his wife, Melania, joined the group that included former President Jimmy Carter and his wife, Rosalynn.

Trump then proceeded to sit through the service, often with his arms folded.

The fact that he came, however, and was welcomed by the Bush family, with whom he also has sparred.

For Bush, Trump declared a day of mourning.