On January 28, 2025, First Lady Melania Trump unveiled her new official White House portrait on her Facebook page, prompting widespread online discussion. The black-and-white photograph, captured by Belgian photographer Régine Mahaux, showcases Melania in a poised stance, leaning forward with both hands placed firmly on a reflective glass table. She is dressed in a sharp white button-up shirt paired with high-waisted pants and a fitted black blazer, exuding confidence and control.
The composition features the Washington Monument visible through the White House’s opulent windows, adding historical significance to the image. Natural light softly illuminates her face, creating a striking contrast between her dark attire and the bright background.
Following the portrait’s release, netizens expressed a wide range of opinions. Some commenters focused on her intense gaze, with one exclaiming, “Those eyes……….!!!” Another observed, “Wow! Those eyes tell me she is serious.”
Conversely, some critics perceived her expression as harsh. One person opined, “Yikes she looks so mean!” Similarly, another commented, “That look on her face… if looks could kill.”
Many users noted a resemblance between Melania and her husband, President Donald Trump. An observer noted, “I swear she’s looking more and more like her husband.” Another questioned, “Why am I seeing a Donald Trump hard eye glare??” Someone else remarked, “She looks like a female version of her husband.”
Supporters praised the portrait, with one stating, “Beautiful and classy!!” However, skeptics questioned the image’s authenticity, asserting, “So photoshopped, does not even look like her.”
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Photographer Régine Mahaux, who has over 20 years of experience documenting the Trump family, previously took Melania’s 2017 portrait during Donald’s first term. In a recent interview, Régine expressed gratitude for the opportunity to work with the First Lady again, highlighting Melania’s involvement in the creative process and her meticulous, hands-on style.
Experts analyzing the portrait have noted the thoughtfully chosen details that subtly influence the narrative it portrays. They suggest that her confident posture, attire, and the inclusion of the Washington Monument in the background contribute to a carefully crafted image of strength and historical significance.
