During the opening ceremony of the Obama Presidential Center in Chicago on June 20, 2026, former President George W. Bush presented former First Lady Michelle Obama with a tin of Altoids. This gesture referenced a previous moment shared between them at Senator John McCain's funeral in 2018, where Bush was seen passing Obama what was later identified as a cough drop. Obama remarked on their friendship, stating, "President Bush and I, we are forever seatmates because of protocol... It was a simple gesture." Bush described the interaction as a reflection of the public's interest in seeing bipartisan camaraderie. The ceremony featured both Bush and Obama, alongside other former presidents and first ladies, including Bill and Hillary Clinton and Joe and Jill Biden.
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George W. Bush gifts Michelle Obama Altoids at Obama Center opening
At the opening of the Obama Presidential Center in Chicago, George W. Bush gifted Michelle Obama a tin of Altoids, recalling a previous moment from Senator John McCain's funeral. Both former leaders expressed their friendship and the significance of their interactions in a bipartisan context during the ceremony attended by other former presidents and first ladies.
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George W. Bush
Michelle Obama
Laura Bush
Jenna Bush Hager
Bill Clinton
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George W. Bush gifts Michelle Obama a tin of Altoids at Obama Center opening in an ode to their friendship
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George W. Bush gifts Michelle Obama Altoids at Obama Center opening