Melania Trump’s new official portrait, taken by Régine Mahaux on January 21, 2025, in the Yellow Oval Room, has drawn widespread attention. Captured in black and white, she strikes a commanding pose, leaning forward with hands on a table, the Washington Monument behind her.
Compared to her 2017 portrait, which featured a “softer, more approachable” look and a 25-carat diamond ring that sparked criticism, this image projects “strength and authority.” Some see it as a shift toward a more assertive role as First Lady, while others find it “cold or unapproachable.”
Online reactions were mixed, with some comparing it to past critiques of Hillary Clinton’s pantsuits. Her body language during the inauguration also reflected a more “neutral, controlled” demeanor.
Whether signaling a public transformation or adapting to the times, the portrait has undeniably made an impact.
