The White House has unveiled a new official portrait of First Lady Melania Trump—an image that signals a notable shift in her approach to the role of first lady in President Donald Trump’s second term.
This new image presents the first lady in a dark suit with a crisp white shirt, hands placed firmly on the table. The black-and-white color palette and her lack of accessories make it clear: She means business.
Her straight stance parallels the Washington Monument in the background and her reflection in the mirror-like table echoes the reflective pool in front of the monument.
“Her style is about presence—silent and powerful,” Lauren A. Rothman, a Washington-based style strategist and image coach, said about the portrait. “It reinforces the image of composure and elegance.”
Belgian photographer Régine Mahaux took the photo in the Yellow Oval Room the day after the inauguration. The portrait, taken on Jan. 21, is a departure from Melania Trump’s first official photograph in 2017, which was noted for its soft, inviting smile and curved lines.
“Now we’re seeing something much more sleek, structured, minimalistic,” Rothman said. “The lighting, her expression, the framing, they all work together to project confidence and sophistication, that is a departure from how we’ve seen those expressed in the past.”
This shift echoes the president’s new portrait, which shows him with a stern expression and dramatic lighting, in contrast to his first official White House portrait, which depicts him smiling.
The First Lady’s Fashion Choices
Melania Trump’s fashion choices for the inauguration events also conveyed strictness and precision. Her sharply cut, navy blue double-breasted coat had a military flair, and her wool boater-style hat obscured her eyes.The outfit was designed by Adam Lippes, a New York-based designer. The first lady wore several of his designs during President Trump’s first term.
“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,” Lippes said in a statement. “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.”
At the Commander-in-Chief Ball, the first lady wore a black-and-white strapless gown by designer Hervé Pierre that matched her husband’s tuxedo, complementing him in a reversal of his suit’s classic colors.
In a statement, Pierre said: “It is a big honor to have collaborated with the first lady on the design for her inaugural dress. It was clear that Mrs. Trump was gravitating toward a combination of black and white—true to her own style and vision.”
Jamila Musayeva, an international etiquette consultant and graduate of George Washington University’s Elliott School of International Affairs, said that Melania Trump is always appropriately dressed for events, respecting dress codes while following her own personal style.
“I think her style is definitely something that can be described by words like timeless, elegant, reserved. In some cases, I would even note it’s quite conservative for today’s modern world,” Musayeva said. “Melania always wears something below her knees that’s not too tight, and it has a line structure to it. So it’s always fitting, but not ... inappropriately tight for her position.”
She noted that the first lady prefers monochromatic looks, in classic, timeless colors, while adding personal statements with her accessory choices.
Projects and Plans for the New Term
Before the inauguration, Mrs. Trump told “Fox & Friends“ that her second term as first lady would be different than the first.
“I have much more experience and much more knowledge,” she said. “I was in the White House before. When you go in, you know exactly what to expect.”
In the interview, she said she’s first of all a mother, so she’ll be traveling between Washington, New York City—where her son Barron attends New York University—and Palm Beach, Florida, balancing her family roles while serving the country as first lady.
She’s also the executive producer of a documentary based on her memoir. The book, titled “Melania,” was released in October 2024 and is an Amazon bestseller.
Filming began in early December 2024, and the documentary will premiere during the second half of the year in theaters and on Amazon Prime Video. In a statement, the company said that the film will provide viewers with an “unprecedented, behind-the-scenes look” at the first lady.
Melania Trump told Fox News that she will continue and expand Be Best, her initiative on the importance of children’s social, emotional, and physical health.
She felt her Be Best campaign didn’t build as much momentum as it could have, saying, “In the first administration, I didn’t have much support from anyone,” including from streaming platforms.
This term, things are different. Amazon is producing her documentary, and the CEOs of major social media platforms attended the inauguration. Her initiatives may reach a bigger audience this time.
Looking ahead, she said: “It will be an exciting four years. We have a lot to do.”
