Melania Trump’s New Official Portrait Sparks Reactions – See the Photo
‘Wow’: Users React to Melania Trump’s New Official Portrait – Photo
Netizens are currently debating Melania Trump’s new official image, which differs greatly from her original one from 2017, after criticising 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 offered their perspectives on the subtleties of the eye-catching, hotly debated image, setting the scene for what it symbolises.
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 chiselled features were framed by her long, wavy hair that fell easily over one shoulder. Her makeup was simple, with her eyes and brows gently enhanced to contribute to the professional 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 emphasised the contrast between her dark outfit and the bright background.
Online debates broke out following the release of the White House photograph, with internet users voicing a variety of viewpoints. One person wrote, “Those eyes……….!!!” in response to her eyes, while another user said, “Wow! I can tell she is serious by the look in her eyes.
Others expressed their opinions more critically, calling attention to what they perceived to be a harsh expression. One individual commented, “Yikes she looks so mean!” Another person remarked, “That look on her face…if [sic] looks could kill.” similarly.
A striking similarity between Melania and her husband, US President Donald Trump, was also mentioned by numerous internet users. An onlooker remarked, “I swear she’s looking more and more like her husband,”
Someone other asked, “Why am I seeing a Donald Trump hard eye glare??” Another person said, “She looks like a female version of her husband.”
A fan, on the other hand, said, “Beautiful and classy!!” But according to a sceptic who questioned the image’s veracity, “So photoshopped, does not even look like her.”
The artist behind the much contested portrait is a 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 image is Melania’s unquestionable comfort in front of the camera, which is a result of both her years of modelling 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 colour 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 centre 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.
Adam boasted about his creation with the remark, “Today we had the honour of dressing our first lady, Mrs. Melania Trump. The presidential inauguration tradition embodies the beauty of American democracy.” Some of America’s best artisans made Mrs. Trump’s ensemble, and I’m proud to display their 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.”
“Definitely appears like she’s heading to a funeral,” said another, while an additional individual joked, “Dressed for a funeral? Well played!”
“Looks like they are attending a funeral,” another commenter said, and another onlooker repeated, “Looks like she’s at a funeral.”
Others concentrated on the hat that finished off her ensemble. Someone was thinking, “Guess Melania doesn’t want anyone to see her face today – isn’t it impolite to wear a hat indoors????” “Melania’s headwear appears absurd. “That’s my only thought,” a netizen said.
Another person asked why Melania wore the hat, speculating that “the [sic] hat of Melania is very weird… like she wants to hide her eyes from something… or her forehead.”
Some comments, however, mixed humour with displeasure. One user said, “Melania looks like Jim Carrey in ‘The Mask!'” in reference to her appearance, comparing it to a well-known pop culture figure. What’s up, girl?
“MelaNia [sic] was dressed inappropriately,” another person complained. I adore her White House Christmas presentation. The clothing and hat were unsuitable and austere.
Not all responses, though, were unfavourable. One fan exclaimed, “Melania looks incredible!!” while another exclaimed, “Melania!!!” Amazing 🔥 that hat is essential. “Melania looks so elegant,” a different admirer exclaimed.
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 personalised version of one of his summer boater hats, which Melania already had and cherished. Eric described making the hat as “one of the greatest honours” 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 labour 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 seen holding the hat in place against high winds as she and her husband said goodbye 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.
But just before this, we said our goodbyes before heading out to the helicopter. The wind is blowing so hard that she nearly blew away in her hat. We nearly lost her. They were lifting her off the ground. “She nearly blew away,” Donald Trump remarked.
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 light-hearted air kiss.
The criticism directed at Melania’s inauguration attire was by no means unique. Her wardrobe choices have continuously come under scrutiny during her years in the spotlight, frequently igniting divisive discussions.
Former CNN White House correspondent Kate Bennett claims that Melania’s wardrobe has long represented her nuanced approach to public life. Kate clarified before the inauguration that “even as the public persona emerged, she still craved privacy.”
She went on, “She started wearing long sleeves, tight waists, firm shoulders, and longer hemlines—almost like something from the military.” I believe that’s because it felt protective. because she was subjected to such close examination for four years.”
