Melania Trump’s new official White House portrait, released January 28, 2025, has quickly drawn wide attention and debate. Shot in black and white by photographer Régine Mahaux, the image presents the former First Lady in a sharply tailored black suit with high-waisted trousers.
Her direct gaze and composed posture project strength and formality — a sharp contrast to her softer, glamorous 2017 portrait. This new presentation signals a shift in tone, highlighting assertiveness over elegance.
The Washington Monument, visible in the background, anchors the portrait in national symbolism. Its inclusion underscores Melania’s continuing connection to American public life, even after her tenure as First Lady.
Public reactions have been divided. Some critics describe her expression as severe, while supporters praise the timeless style, elegance, and authority conveyed by the monochrome aesthetic.