Lauren Sanchez, the fiancée of billionaire Jeff Bezos, stirred up quite the controversy at the presidential inauguration of Donald Trump on January 20, 2025. The 55-year-old journalist arrived at the U.S. Capitol Rotunda dressed head-to-toe in white, wearing a pantsuit featuring a low-cut blazer and no shirt underneath, which many viewed as inappropriate attire for such a significant political event.
Sanchez's outfit—a white blazer buttoned at the waist with a white lace bustier beneath—quickly became the center of attention on social media. Comments flooded platforms like X (formerly Twitter), with users criticizing her choice as excessively risqué for the occasion. One user remarked, "Is someone going to offer Lauren Sanchez a safety pin?" highlighting the perceived lack of decorum.
“Jeff Bezos' future wife Lauren Sanchez is incredibly inappropriately dressed for a state occasion,” another user bluntly stated. Voices on social media questioned how Sanchez chose her look, especially considering it was winter, and temperatures were chilly enough to warrant moving the events indoors. Critics were not shy to express their opinions, with one commenter saying, “No one talking to Lauren Sanchez. Not surprising. Dressed like a hooker once again. Do Better Lauren.”
While Sanchez was under scrutiny for her fashion choices, other notable figures were present at the event, including former presidents Barack Obama, Bill Clinton, and Hillary Clinton, all of whom received mixed reactions from the crowd as they entered the Capitol. Obama's wife, Michelle, was conspicuously absent, having previously stated her decision not to attend, which some attributed to her feelings about Trump.
The criticisms of Sanchez's attire did not stop there. Many users on social media expressed shock and disbelief at what they considered starkly inappropriate behavior for such a formal occasion. One user exclaimed, “WTF is Lauren Sanchez wearing at the Presidential inauguration?! Visible lingerie.” Another added, “Honestly, Lauren Sanchez looks so out of place. I’m almost embarrassed for her.”
Despite the backlash, Sanchez is known for her bold fashion statements and has been no stranger to the spotlight. Earlier appearances, such as at a candlelight dinner for Trump, had garnered attention too, though her outfit choices at those times seemed more aligned with formal expectations.
At the inauguration, Sanchez stood out among high-profile attendees, which included tech giants like Elon Musk, Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg, and Google CEO Sundar Pichai. One social media user questioned the logic behind her invite, stating, "Why is Lauren Sanchez at the inauguration? It was supposed to be scaled back because of limited space and no spouses allowed, even for Trump's administration, yet Bezos' girlfriend is there?" This statement pointed to the perceived privilege allowing Sanchez to attend, raising eyebrows about fairness among those present.
The strong reactions to Sanchez's outfit continued throughout the day, with many social media users labeling her style as “trashy” and “disrespectful.” One comment read, "Lauren Sanchez shows up to the inauguration looking like a prostitute!! Ugh." These remarks reflect how fashion choices at significant political events can often provoke intense public scrutiny.
While the focus on Sanchez’s outfit overshadowed other aspects of the inauguration, the event itself was historic, marking Trump's second term following an election victory. Events leading up to the inauguration included receptions and commemorative ceremonies, but for Sanchez, attention came from her bold decision to convey her personal style.
With the inauguration ceremony set against the backdrop of Martin Luther King Jr. Day, many felt the occasion called for more thoughtful attire. Comments such as, “Put those things away for one day. You're in the Capitol,” suggested viewers believed Sanchez's outfit could have carried additional weight if it aligned more closely with the event's formality.
Despite critics' views, Sanchez's presence, and her sense of style left their mark on the day. Her choice to don such eye-catching attire has sparked conversations about the intersection of fashion and political events, raising questions about expectations, expression, and respect.
Whether one admires or disparages her outfit, it's undeniable: Lauren Sanchez knows how to capture attention, even on the political stage. The lasting images from the day will likely remain as part of the dialogue surrounding both the inauguration and her rather bold fashion choices.