Sen. Marco Rubio jokingly tweeted Tuesday that he was “investigating” a photo of a “failed hug” between him and Ivanka Trump that caught some attention on social media.
The photo was originally tweeted Associated Press congressional reporter Erica Werner on Tuesday.
Ivanka, who is an adviser to President Donald Trump, was at the Capitol to discuss pro-family tax reform policies with a group of lawmakers, including Rubio.
Twitter users quickly began mocking images of Rubio’s and Ivanka’s encounter.
Rubio appeared to poke fun at himself, saying he was actively “investigating” the hug.
Just left Intel comm & informed meeting 2day with @IvankaTrump blowing up twitter over alleged failed hug! Investigating. Will respond soon
— Marco Rubio (@marcorubio) June 20, 2017
Rubio said his team believed they had "unclassified photographic evidence" of the incident.
We believe we have our own unclassified photographic evidence that will shed greater details on this incident.
— Marco Rubio (@marcorubio) June 20, 2017
He jokingly tweeted that he would also be looking into video footage and was seeking anyone who might have had video footage of the encounter.
We are also attempting to acquire multi-angle video which we believe will provide greater insight into this important matter.
— Marco Rubio (@marcorubio) June 20, 2017
If you were filming at the Senate carriage entrance today between 11:20-11:25 am we are seeking your assistance with an active investigation
— Marco Rubio (@marcorubio) June 20, 2017
Rubio tweeted another angle of the hug and jokingly added "faces blurred for security purposes."
New photo emerges providing more insight into alleged failed hug. (Faces blurred for security purposes) pic.twitter.com/GzSLe3JD3I
— Marco Rubio (@marcorubio) June 20, 2017
He finished his tweets by saying the pair hadn't actually been attempting a hug when the photo was taken.
Based on review of evidence & my own recollection, have concluded no hug was even attempted & press covfefe of alleged failed hug is false
— Marco Rubio (@marcorubio) June 20, 2017
Ivanka later weighed in.
Anonymous sources say @marcorubio planned the alleged failed hug. I have no comment (but I would have hugged him anyway! 🤗) https://t.co/TChrqWsL4D
— Ivanka Trump (@IvankaTrump) June 20, 2017