THE couple who gatecrashed a presidential party did meet Barack Obama, the White House has admitted.

The latest revelation came as a "deeply concerned and embarrassed" Secret Service said their officers failed to check the guest list. The White House releasedaphoto showing Michaele and Tareq Salahi, fromVirginia,meeting Obama in the receiving line.

Obama and Michaele are smiling as she grasps his right hand with both of hers while her husband looks on.

Security chiefs say the president was not in danger because the couple - like others at last Tuesday's dinner -were screened for weapons.

It is not known what they said to Secret Service officers but it is a crime to knowingly and wilfully falsify statements on matters within the federal government's jurisdiction.

Security spokesman Jim Mackin said the couple may be charged.

The Salahis' lawyer, Paul Gardner, said on Facebook: "My clients were cleared by the White House to be there."

Michaele was a potential participant in reality show The Real Housewives of DC and was filmed before the event.