Republican Congresswoman Shrugs Off Video of Trump Cabinet Member Appearing to Slap Her Butt

Rep. Anna Paulina Luna (R-FL) brushed off a viral video appearing to show Housing and Urban Development Secretary Scott Turner attempting to slap her butt during the Republican midterm convention, suggesting the former NFL player may have simply been going for a high-five.

The awkward moment unfolded on the first day of President Donald Trump’s two-day event in Dallas, Texas, as Turner was leaving the stage and Luna was walking on. As the two passed each other, Turner extended his hand downward toward Luna’s backside. His hand did not ever appear to rise into position for a high-five, as the congresswoman posited.

MeidasTouch’s Pablo Manríquez questioned Luna about the exchange in question on Monday.

“Did Scott [Turner] pat you on the butt in Dallas?” he asked.

“Oh my goodness,” the congresswoman responded. “I actually was walking towards, at that point, to speak, so I didn’t even see that until after the fact, and one could only assume that maybe it was just a — he played football, you know?”

Turner was an NFL cornerback for nine seasons, playing for the Washington Redskins — now the Washington Commanders — the San Diego Chargers — now the Los Angeles Chargers — and the Denver Broncos.

“There was no contact” between Turner’s hand and her backside, Luna confirmed. “I think that he’s obviously a former football player, and maybe went for a high-five. I don’t know.”

As mentioned, the moment gained major online traction.

“He looks like he’s about to slap her a**!” The Bulwark’s Sam Stein said, through laughter, while reacting to the clip. “He almost got into some serious trouble there.”

After reviewing the footage again in slow motion, Stein concluded his initial instinct was correct: “No, he did not go for a handshake.”

Watch the moment from day one of the Republican midterm convention above via C-SPAN.

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