VIDEO and IMAGES: Barack Obama caught on camera hiding wedding ring before shaking hands with youths

Barack Obama dances tango during a state dinner hosted by Argentina's President Mauricio Macri as part of President Obama's visit to Argentina

 Barack Obama was in Argentina this week and before shaking hands with a group of Argentinian youths, he slipped off his wedding ring.

In the clip likely to leave the president red-faced, the US leader was caught on camera  removing the jewellery and putting it in his trouser pocket, on the advice of security guards.

The embarrassing moment happened when Obama visited a power plant-turned-arts venue in the Buenos Aires.

Critics and news outlets in Argentina have seized the footage as evidence of what the president really thinks of the nation.

One Twitter user said: “The real trust Obama feels for Argetinians. He hides his ring in his pocket so they don’t steal it from him while he meets and greets them.”


Another added: “Did you see how Obama took his ring off before he shook hands? He thinks we’re a bunch of thieves.”

Maria Laura Balaguer wrote : “He can’t be serious. What a terrible thing to do.”

Barack Obama’s official visit to Argentina  was the first by an American president in two decades, coming after the election of US-friendly president Mauricio Macri in November.