Netizens are currently debating Melania Trump’s new official image, which differs greatly from her original one from 2017, after criticizing her inauguration appearance.
US First Lady Melania Trump’s official White House portrait was released earlier today, January 28, 2025, on her Facebook page. Experts have provided their insights into the intricacies of the striking, intensely contested image, establishing the context for its symbolic meaning.
Attention is quickly drawn to the composition’s stunning black and white elements. Melania exudes confidence and control as she leans forward and places both hands firmly on a reflected glass table in a composed yet commanding position. She donned a sharp white button-up shirt, high-waisted pants, and a fitted black suit with a structured blazer.
Her chiseled features were framed by her long, wavy hair that fell casually over one shoulder. Her makeup was simple, with her eyes and brows gently enhanced to contribute to the polished appearance.
The Washington Monument can be seen behind her through the White House’s opulent windows, and its existence quietly adds to the moment’s historical significance. Her face was softly glowing from the natural light coming through the window, which emphasized the contrast between her dark outfit and the bright background.
After the White House portrait was revealed, online discussions erupted, with netizens expressing a wide range of opinions. Several users commented on her eyes, with one exclaiming, “Those eyes……….!!!” while another observed, “Wow! Those eyes tell me she is serious.”
Others took a more critical approach to voicing their thoughts, pointing out what they believed to be a harsh expression. “Yikes she looks so mean!” opined one person. Similarly, someone else said, “That look on her Face…if [sic] looks could kill.”
Many netizens also referenced an uncanny resemblance between Melania and her husband, US President Donald Trump. “I swear she’s looking more and more like her husband,” noted an observer.
Another questioned, “Why am I seeing a Donald Trump hard eye glare??” while someone else remarked, “She looks like a female version of her husband.”
On the flip side, a supporter swooned, “Beautiful and classy!!” However, a skeptic questioning the authenticity of the image asserted, “So photoshopped, does not even look like her.”
The artist behind the much-contested portrait is someone who knows her subject very well. Once again, the task of taking Melania’s official White House portrait fell to Régine Mahaux, a Belgian photographer who has more than 20 years of expertise documenting the Trump family.
In a recent interview, Régine, who previously took the First Lady’s 2017 portrait during Donald’s first term, said she was really grateful for the chance to do it again. Régine also highlighted Melania’s personal involvement in the creative process, in addition to her strong professional relationship with the Trumps.
Working with the First Lady was a privilege, she said, adding that the final image was greatly influenced by her meticulousness and hands-on style.
Experts examining Melania’s recently revealed photo have pointed out the thoughtfully chosen details in the picture—components that quietly but effectively influence the narrative it portrays.
They claim that her confident posture, with her fingertips firmly planted on a glass table that reflects light, conveys a sense of power and determination.
The pose also seems to indicate a willingness to participate in the duties of the First Lady, a position that customarily combines public service and advocacy with the ceremonial tasks of a White House hostess.
Another distinctive feature of the photograph is Melania’s unquestionable comfort in front of the camera, which is a result of both her years of modeling experience and her long-standing working relationship with Régine.
After more than 20 years of collaboration, the First Lady has a great deal of faith in Régine, which is crucial for producing a picture that exudes poise, confidence, and classic elegance.
But the portrait still preserves a sense of distance, so it’s not just a statement of authority. Despite striking a dominant pose, experts note that Melania has placed herself behind the perfectly polished table, establishing a modest yet distinct distance between herself and the audience.
The decision demonstrates a certain amount of restraint and strengthens the air of mystery and incomprehensibility that has long defined her public persona.
The portrait of Melania taken during her first term as First Lady contrasts with the one taken in the White House in 2025.
Experts who have examined the two photos have noted the minor but noteworthy changes in composition, tone, and symbolism—each of which captures a distinct aspect of Melania’s changing public persona.
Melania Trump came out as more delicately elegant in her 2017 image. The picture conveyed a sense of approachability and accessibility with its warm, glowing background, open lips, and soft half-smile. This effect was further enhanced by the soft focus, which gave her presence a refined, even ethereal appearance.
When we look ahead to 2025, the change is remarkable. A severe black-and-white color scheme has taken the place of the warm hues. Her lips are now firmly set, her gaze direct, unblinking, and unquestionably intense, and the delicate warmth of her countenance is gone.
Although eye contact frequently indicates openness, experts have pointed out that in this photo, it reads more as a declaration of strength than an invitation to be approachable.
The location has also changed significantly. In contrast to her 2017 photo, which was shot in the executive mansion’s family quarters, the 2025 one features the Washington Monument clearly behind her, graphically highlighting her position at the center of political power.
The message is clear: she is embracing her role in a way that seems much more deliberate than previously, and she is solidly in Washington rather than New York or Mar-a-Lago.
The new remarks over Melania’s image follow internet users’ close examination of her attire at Donald Trump’s inauguration on January 20, 2025. Fashion designer Adam Lippes created the attire.
In a dark navy, fitted double-breasted coat with pointed lapels and a structured form, the First Lady of the United States (FLOTUS) attracted attention.
Closed-toe heels and black gloves completed her ensemble flawlessly. Her daring choice of accessory, a wide-brimmed, double-faced wool boater hat with ivory ribbon, further enhanced the ensemble and turned it into a distinctive statement piece that drew praise and criticism from online users.
Melania adopted a simple yet elegant look for the significant event, keeping her hair tucked under the cap.
Online photos also show Melania and Donald, dressed in a suit and coat, standing beside Vice President JD Vance and his wife, Second Lady Usha Vance, on the Capitol steps.
Usha wore a cinched-waisted pastel pink coat with taupe boots and gloves, and J.D. wore a traditional black overcoat and scarlet tie, all of which went well with the event’s formal vibe.
Adam posted a picture of Melania grinning next to a uniformed officer on Instagram the day of the inauguration, giving fans a better glimpse at the quality of her attire.
Boasting about his creation, Adam captioned, “The tradition of the presidential inauguration embodies the beauty of American democracy and today we had the honor to dress our first lady, Mrs. Melania Trump. Mrs. Trump’s outfit was created by some of America’s finest craftsmen and I take great pride in showing such work to the world.”
Online responses to Melania’s eye-catching inauguration costume were quick, with opinions on social media being severely divided. Several commentators immediately compared it to solemn events, with one commenting, “Funeral attire.”
Another echoed, “Definitely looks like she’s going to a funeral,” while a third person quipped, “Dressed for a funeral? Well played!”
Someone else chimed in with, “Looks like they are attending a funeral,” while a spectator reiterated, “Looks like she’s at a funeral.”
Others focused on the hat that completed her look. One person pondered, “Guess Melania doesn’t want anyone to see her face today—isn’t it impolite to wear a hat indoors????” “Melania’s hat looks ridiculous. That’s all I can think of,” expressed a netizen.
A different user speculated on Melania’s motivations for wearing the hat, commenting, “the [sic] hat of Melania is very weird… like she wants to hide her eyes from something… or her forehead.”
Meanwhile, some critics combined humor with disapproval, as one user compared her appearance to a well-known pop culture character, penning, “Melania looks like Jim Carrey in ‘The Mask!’ What is going on girl!”
Another lamented, “MelaNia [sic] was dressed inappropriately. Love her Christmas show at the WH. The hat and dress were austere and inappropriate.”
However, not all reactions were negative. “Melania looks incredible!!” gushed a fan, while another praised, “Melania!!! Fabulous 🔥 that hat is everything.” “Melania looks so elegant,” swooned a fellow admirer.
Remarkably, according to Vanity Fair, Melania’s much-discussed hat nearly missed the inauguration. In the days preceding the event, the hat—designed by milliner Eric Javits of Florida—went through what was called a near-failure.
Melania’s stylist, Herve Pierre, had asked Eric to make a personalized version of one of his summer boater hats, which Melania already possessed and cherished. Eric described making the hat as “one of the greatest honors” of his career. The designer jumped at the chance to work on the project, even though they usually avoid custom projects.
Hand-sewn with couture skills, the hat was a labor of love. Before the piece was sent to the First Lady’s team for a final fitting in New York, Eric disclosed that the vast majority of the seams (92%) were made by his own hands and that no other people saw it.
However, catastrophe struck when the hat’s packaging arrived wet and crushed, causing irreversible damage to the item. Eric made a second hat in less than four days amid a timing crunch.
The replacement was then driven by Herve himself from Miami to Melania, who was spending the days before the inauguration at Mar-a-Lago.
Later, Eric spoke on his design approach, highlighting his objective to “flatter and enhance every kind of face,” saying that working with Melania was easy because she had a great sense of style, beauty, and bone structure.
On the big day, the hat attracted attention for more reasons than only its remarkable journey. Melania was observed securing the hat against strong winds as she and her husband bid farewell to former President Joe Biden and former First Lady and physician Jill Biden.
Later, in speeches to supporters, the President of the United States (POTUS) made a humorous description of the scene.
“We went out to the helicopter, though, just prior to this, and said goodbye, and the wind is blowing like crazy, and with the hat that she’s wearing, she almost blew away. We almost lost her. She was being elevated off the ground. She almost blew away,” said Donald Trump.
In addition to being the focus of internet arguments and near-catastrophes, Melania’s chic hat unintentionally became the focal point of a humorous exchange between her and her spouse.
Shortly before he was sworn in as the 47th President of the United States, Donald tried to lean in and kiss Melania’s cheek in a video that was circulated online.
But the large brimmed hat turned out to be an unforeseen barrier, keeping Donald from approaching close enough due to its size and shape. The pair quickly made the switch and exchanged a lighthearted air kiss.
The criticism directed at Melania’s inauguration attire was by no means unique. Her wardrobe choices have continuously been scrutinized during her years in the spotlight, frequently igniting divisive discussions.
According to Kate Bennett, a former CNN White House correspondent, Melania’s style has long reflected her complex relationship with public life. “As the public persona emerged, she still craved privacy,” explained Kate ahead of the inauguration.
She continued, “Her silhouettes became long-sleeved, cinched waists, hard shoulders, longer hemlines—like almost a military-esque vibe. I think that’s because it felt like armor… Because she underwent four years of really intense scrutiny.”
