Michelle Obama and George W. Bush Share a Moment at Obama Presidential Center Opening

The friendship between former first lady Michelle Obama and former President George W. Bush was evident again during the Obama Presidential Center’s opening ceremony in Chicago. At the event, Bush presented Obama with a tin of Altoids, recalling a memorable exchange at Senator John McCain’s funeral in 2018. During that occasion, Bush discreetly offered Obama what was later identified as a cough drop.

Michelle Obama referred to Bush as her regular companion at official events, stating, “President Bush and I are forever seatmates due to protocol, so he is my partner in crime at every major gathering of former leaders.” On “Today,” Obama recounted the moment from McCain’s funeral, saying, “It was a simple gesture. He was getting a cough drop from Laura, and I looked over and said, ‘Hand me a cough drop.'” She expressed her admiration for Bush, calling him “a wonderful man” and “a funny man.”

The friendly gesture was repeated months later at the funeral for Bush’s father, where Bush seemed to pass Obama a candy or mint while shaking hands. In a recent conversation with his daughter, Jenna Bush Hager, Bush confirmed he had given Obama an Altoid at McCain’s funeral.

Bush remarked on the public’s warm reception to their interactions, saying, “It turns out the country is starved to see a White center-right Republican and an African American center-left Democrat having fun and being able to converse, not as political figures, but as citizens.” The gift of Altoids at the ceremony was clearly appreciated, with Obama beaming and showing the tin in a photograph with Bush.

At the dedication ceremony for the opening of the Barack Obama Presidential Center on June 18, 2026, in Chicago, other notable figures were in attendance. Former President George W. Bush and his wife, former first lady Laura Bush, joined fellow members of political history, including Bill and Hillary Clinton and Joe and Jill Biden, on stage with the Obamas.