Melania Trump has decided to reinvent herself, presenting the world with a new version of her image through the official First Lady portrait, recently unveiled by the White House. Wearing a sharply tailored dark suit paired with an open-collared white shirt, the former Slovenian model sheds the timid smile of the past for an intense and determined expression. Her piercing, uncompromising gaze complements the “power pose” that defines the composition: hands resting firmly on a mirrored table, with the George Washington Monument standing prominently in the background.
The choice of black and white, paired with the sophisticated atmosphere captured by photographer Régine Mahaux, evokes promotional images from The Apprentice, the show that catapulted Donald Trump into media stardom. However, this photo is more than just a portrait—it is a statement of intent. Having signed a multimillion-dollar deal with Amazon for a documentary about her life, the 54-year-old seems to assert her role not just as the president’s wife, but as a powerful woman and an international public figure in her own right.
Although Melania’s press office had initially stated that the portrait was taken in 2024, it was actually shot on January 21, 2025, in the Yellow Room of the White House. The image hints at an ongoing transformation, which was also evident during the inaugural events. She showcased her signature style through symbolic outfits, including a navy and ivory ensemble by Adam Lippes for the swearing-in ceremony and a black-and-white Hervé Pierre gown for the evening’s inaugural ball. These glamorous moments were interspersed with more solemn appearances, such as her visit alongside her husband to assess the damage caused by Hurricane Helene in North Carolina.
Meanwhile, the Trumps celebrated their 20th wedding anniversary, a milestone that the president shared on social media, dedicating heartfelt words of love and admiration to his wife.
