Melania Trump’s newly unveiled official White House portrait, released on January 28, 2025, sparked intense debate. The black-and-white image portrayed her “exuding authority and poise,” wearing a tailored black suit with a “piercing gaze,” set against the backdrop of the Washington Monument.

Public reaction was divided. Some praised it as “classy” and “beautiful,” while others found her expression severe. A viewer noted, “That look on her face… if looks could kill,” and another compared her to Trump: “She looks like a female version of her husband.”

Photographer Régine Mahaux, who worked with the Trumps for over 20 years, highlighted Melania’s “perfectionism.” Her assertive pose and the reflective table created “a subtle boundary,” blending strength with mystery.

Compared to her 2017 portrait, the change was stark. The softer smile was replaced with intensity, symbolizing her shift toward a “more deliberate and powerful public persona.”

The portrait followed buzz over Melania’s inauguration outfit. Her dark navy coat and oversized hat, crafted by Eric Javits, drew mixed reviews—some called it “elegant,” others “austere.” A playful air kiss with Donald Trump, due to the hat’s size, offered a rare lighthearted moment amid her otherwise composed, enigmatic image.