The new black-and-white portrait shows her posing against the background of the Washington Monument.
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.
Belgian photographer Régine Mahaux took the photo in the Yellow Oval Room the day after the inauguration. The portrait, taken on Jan. 21, 2025, is a departure from Melania Trump’s first official photograph in 2017, which was noted for its soft, inviting smile, and curved lines.
This shift echoes the president’s new portrait, whose official photo 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, a label that the first lady wore several times 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.”
