Donald Trump welcomed tech execs to the White House for a lavish dinner last week, among them Mark Zuckerberg – who has faced backlash over what some called ‘rude’ behavior

Melania Trump has been spotlighted for her reaction to Mark Zuckerberg during a White House dinner (stock photo)(Image: Bloomberg via Getty Images)

Melania Trump seemed to be irked by Mark Zuckerberg’s behavior at a lavish White House dinner. Donald Trump and the First Lady hosted a gathering of influential tech industry executives at their official residence on Thursday (September 4), with discussions centered around using artificial intelligence to establish America as a global innovation leader.

However, it was not the conversations that grabbed attention but rather the subtle moments during the event, which took place in the State Dining Room of the White House.

Zuckerberg was spotted on camera seated next to Trump and chatting with someone else while the president responded to a reporter’s question.

The First Lady noticed this and appeared unimpressed by the Meta founder’s lack of attention while her husband was speaking.

It comes after a lip reader revealed Karoline Leavitt’s blunt one-word demand to Trump’s 13-year-old granddaughter.

A social media user named Johnny St. Pete posted a clip of this moment on X, captioning it: “Mark Zuckerberg at the White House tech dinner was TALKING while the President was speaking.

“Melania noticed and was not happy. Etiquette rules…when the President stands in the White House NOBODY SITS and when the President speaks in The White House…NOBODY SPEAKS.”

The post has garnered two million views, 24,000 likes, and 2,200 comments. One user said: “Zuckerberg has no class whatsoever. Rude beyond belief!” Another chimed in: “So disrespectful.”

A third added: “While seated next to him…unreal lack of awareness.” A further user commented: “Zuckerberg appears to have no manners.”

Others praised the First Lady with remarks as one fan noted: “Melania doesn’t seem like the type of person who misses much. Big asset to @realDonaldTrump.”

A second observed: “She carries herself with such grace, warmth, and strength that it’s hard not to admire her.

“Any man would consider himself profoundly fortunate to call a woman like Melania his wife!!”

However, other commenters on the post disagreed that the First Lady was unhappy because of Zuckerberg.

A different X user shared: “I don’t think it was just Zuckerberg honestly. Who were the people right across from The President?”.

“The woman is playing with the man’s hair on his neck. And the guy next to him doesn’t seem to be paying attention either.

I think she’s looking at all of them like they are rude and disrespectful.”

Someone else added: “Yep, keep telling yourself the disgust look was for Mark Zuckerberg..”

In the majority of social and formal gatherings involving groups of people, it’s viewed as impolite to talk when the host is delivering remarks, particularly when that person is the President of the United States.

While Zuckerberg seems to chat to someone beside him, Microsoft creator Bill Gates, seated next to Melania, turns his head toward Trump as he speaks and displays a slight smile.

Mark Zuckerberg and his team have been approached for comment.

It comes after a psychologist reveals two factors fuelling Donald Trump’s ‘mental collapse’.