Melania Trump has made headlines once again following the release of her official White House portrait as First Lady, which has evoked mixed reactions from the public and media alike. Captured by Belgian photographer Régine Mahaux, the black-and-white image features Melania standing behind a reflective table, clad in a dolce & gabbana tuxedo jacket and trousers, giving the camera a piercing gaze.
Released on February 1, 2025, the portrait sparked significant online chatter, with fans praising her appearance and critics questioning her demeanor. Supporters were quick to comment, with one remarking, "Class is back in the White House!" and another stating, "Melania Trump is by far the BEST First Lady America has ever had." Yet, contrasting views emerged, with others expressing concerns over her expression with comments like, "She looks so miserable all the time" and "If I was married to him I’d be too." Several users echoed similar sentiments, pointing out her seemingly permanent frown.
Gwendolyn DuBois Shaw, Faculty Director for the Department of History of Art at the University of Pennsylvania, offered insight on the portrait. "She has positioned herself firmly behind the ultra shiny table, keeping a bit of a boundary between herself and the viewer," Shaw told BBC. "Staying a little mysterious, a little enigmatic, and a little inscrutable," she continued, reflecting on Melania's depiction as both elegant and aloof.
The release of this portrait marks the second time Melania has worked with Mahaux, who also shot her first official portrait back at the beginning of Donald Trump's presidency. The previous portrait showcased Melania with crossed arms and featured soft colors, presenting her with what many described as a "half-smile." This starkly contrasts her latest portrayal, which lacks color and depth, focusing instead on her serious expression and business-ready posture.
Fashion writer Ellie Violet Bramley noted, "Gone is the soft focus, the half-smile, and the parted lips from her official portrait last time she was in the White House." Experts decoded her pose to express a readiness to "get down to business," aligning with the expectations often placed on First Ladies to embody the role of hostess and advocate. Shaw highlighted Melania's comfort in front of the camera, attributing it to her modeling background and the two-decade-long relationship with Mahaux.
Despite the supportive voices, Melania's portrait and the public's response were met with notable criticism from publications like Vogue. The magazine's review described her look as reminiscent of her time on Donald Trump's reality television show, The Apprentice. "Indeed, Trump looked more like she was guest-starring on The Apprentice than assuming the role of First Lady of the United States... perhaps unsurprisingly, when considering her background and the glamor associated with her life," they stated. This comment drew ire from Melania's supporters, who defended her as "elegant and powerful minimalism."
The backlash against Vogue revealed deep-seated divides over perceptions of Melania, with right-wing commentators like Todd Starnes criticizing the magazine's tone as "poisonous." Starnes tweeted, "It's unclear why Vogue directed their poisonous venom at Mrs. Trump. Envy, perhaps? Or it could just be... the mean girls who run the fashion magazines have different standards for beauty." A variety of individuals came to her defense, asserting the reflection of power and beauty present within her portrait.
Melania herself addressed questions about her role, stating, "But I think the relationship I have developed with Ms. Mahaux over the years accounts for most of my ease." She also made it clear she values her independence, indicating she does not always agree with her husband. "I gave him my advice, and sometimes he listens. Sometimes he doesn't and that's okay. But I have my own thoughts, I have my own 'yes' and 'no,'" she mentioned during Fox News interviews.
The public's oscillation between admiration and critique reflects broader sentiments toward Melania throughout her first term and now during her return as First Lady. The portrait encapsulates both her elegance and the mixed feelings many have about her public image.
Whether she continues to inspire conversation or remain the subject of scrutiny, this new official portrait remains emblematic of her position and the dualities she harbors as one of America's contemporary First Ladies.