DISCLAIMER: This article was first published in January 2025
Melania Trump’s new official portrait has been released, and people can’t stop talking about it. Taken by Belgian photographer Régine Mahaux, the black-and-white image is simple, dramatic, and very different from past First Ladies’ portraits.
In the photo, Melania stands tall, wearing a sharp black pantsuit and a crisp white shirt. Her hands rest on a table as she looks straight into the camera with an intense stare. Behind her, you can spot the Washington Monument in the background, but honestly, all eyes are on her. This isn’t your typical First Lady portrait, and that’s precisely the point.
White House releases official portrait of First Lady Melania Trump pic.twitter.com/ZzkDnZdOv8
— bryan metzger (@metzgov) January 27, 2025
Traditionally, First Ladies opt for bright colors and cozy settings in their official portraits. Jill Biden wore a cheerful blue dress. Michelle Obama posed in the Blue Room in pearls and a sleek black dress. Laura Bush looked warm and friendly in a brown suit.
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Melania? She ditched the color altogether and went with black and white. The vibe is serious. It’s bold. It’s… well, a little intimidating. Some people are saying it’s a power move. Either way, it’s different, and that’s exactly what she wanted.
It definitely feels like it’s meant to convey power and authority.
— janselle julian (@janselle_julian) January 27, 2025
Her first official portrait during Trump’s first term had a much softer vibe. It was in color, with warm lighting and a glamorous feel. That photo got plenty of criticism in 2017, with some saying it looked “heavily airbrushed.” The BBC even pointed it out, which stirred up a debate.
Melania’s latest portrait was taken in her favorite spot in the White House—the Yellow Oval Room. During her first term, she completely redecorated the space, giving it her personal touch. She even designed the rug, featuring American Beauty roses, blue ribbons, and a trellis pattern. In her memoir Melania, she called the Yellow Oval Room a “favorite,” saying she carefully selected antiques from the White House collection to make it right. So, it’s no surprise she picked this room as the backdrop for her big moment.
This new portrait feels like part of a more significant shift for Melania. Behind the scenes, she’s been busy building her brand and making business moves. She reportedly has a $40 million deal with Amazon for a documentary and docuseries about her working life as First Lady. The project will even feature her husband, Donald Trump, and their son, Barron.
In 2021, she sold NFTs—digital art pieces titled Melania’s Vision. Some money went to help kids and teens leaving foster care, which was a nice touch. She’s also been selling Christmas decorations and jewelry and earning royalties from her memoir.
Sources close to Melania say she wants to be seen as a savvy businesswoman. “Money is her number one priority,” one source told Dailymail.com.
Not everyone loves the new portrait. Some admire its boldness and say it shows strength. Others think it’s too cold and miss the warmth we usually expect from a First Lady.
I dare you!
— Jim Devine (@TheTubby2024) January 27, 2025
It says you raided my home, invaded my privacy, and now there will be hell to pay.
— Sammy D 🇺🇸 (@SamyD12) January 27, 2025
Air brushed. Not a fan of the pic or women being men.
— DCortez (@dcortez1960) January 27, 2025
But no matter what people think, Melania’s portrait grabs attention—and isn’t that the whole point?
So, what’s next for Melania? With her documentary deal, business ventures, and second term as First Lady, she’s not fading into the background anytime soon.
Featured image via Screengrab
