Once again, Melania Trump is officially the First Lady of the United States. On Monday, January 20, Donald Trump was sworn in as the 47th President of the United States, and his wife remained at his side for the full day of ceremonies and celebrations.
One body language expert called Melania Trump “unhappy” on election night, but the inauguration was different. Melania’s attire was scrutinized, with one item standing out.
Her distinctive headwear seemed to convey a profound message. Melania Trump was mocked on social media.
Melania and Donald have been planning to move into the White House for months. The former real estate mogul became the 47th US president on Monday, January 20, starting his second term. His wife, family, and Barron, Melania’s son, were with him all day. Trump took the oath of office in the Capitol Rotunda due to the abnormally cold weather.
Body language expert Judi James told the Mirror that Donald spent most of the inauguration clutching his wife’s hand or “taking it like some Regency gentleman, kissing her proffered cheek or even gazing at her as they danced together like a man in the throes of some romantic thrall.”
The First Lady’s attire usually draw attention. Naturally, they were scrutinized for the inauguration. Judi James said Melania’s outfit conveyed her character as First Lady.
“Her saucer-shaped hat and fiercely tailored coat matched her as an equal to Trump and a businesswoman this time. James said her smile was regal and confident under the brim, but her eyes were hidden.
Melania seemed to make her feelings clear when Biden placed an arm around her waist for ten seconds and she turned away from her husband with one elbow splayed while holding onto her hat brim during tricky social moments, like when they were seeing the Bidens off after Trump’s flame-thrower of a speech. As Trump leaned in to shake hands with Biden, she patted, rewarded, and reassured him with her arm around his waist for several seconds.
Melania wore a beautiful gown, but finding the one she wanted may have been difficult. Women’s Wear Daily asked 16 designers to dress Melania. Designers seem unimpressed with Mrs. Trump.
Michael Kors, Diotima’s Rachel Scott, Zankov’s Sergio Hudson, and House of Gilles declined to comment on working with Melania for the inauguration. Back in Trump’s first administration, Tom Ford, Marc Jacobs, and Jason Wu declined to dress Melania.
A longtime collaborator of Melania is French designer Hervé Pierre. He told Women’s Wear Daily that he hasn’t found a good reason why some won’t work with the First Lady.
“I don’t do that because the fashion industry isn’t very Trump-friendly. That’s no secret,” he explained. “Some are very open-minded and would be able to do something special. But a lot of people are not.”
The French designer recalled when his work with the Trumps negatively impacted his life. When shopping in a designer’s store in New York City, one person told him he “was not welcome here.”
“I understand that you can criticise Mrs. Trump, but to say to someone who is coming to shop – full-price, ‘You are not welcome here.’ That is something that I would have never expected,” Pierre said.
“Some of the designers here in New York are lovely. The Europeans are more open-minded. They regard clothing Mrs. Trump, given to the news coverage that she is getting, as a business opportunity to generate sales and free publicity.”
Melania Trump’s “power signals” have risen, body language expert Judi James stated. She said that the First Lady’s bright smile displayed “an air of relaxed confidence.
“As they leave the service, Donald and Melania amplify their clasped hands into a more pronounced display of unity. Trump lifts the clasp higher a few times, practically waving it as they walk towards their car, as though showing both pride in his wife and a gentlemanly concern for her as they step off the curb,” James told the Mirror.
“Trump’s expression is familiar – the slightly stern, almost baleful look that mirrors his official portrait. Melania, in contrast, seems determined to inject a touch of festivity into the event. Though her eyes are shaded by the brim of her hat, her wide, toothy smile conveys an air of easy confidence.”
Melania says she’s more ready to enter the White House this time. She may approach things differently, as Inbaal Honigman, another body language expert, noted that her demeanor at this inauguration was different from that in 2017.
“Melania’s body language during the 2025 inauguration is still and neutral,” Inbaal told Express. She sits still in her model position, her face neutral, allowing her spouse take center stage.”
He added that she was more “friendly.”
“In contrast, Melania of 2017 smiled and waved, appearing friendlier to the crowds,” he said. Melania has a neutral face. She has been criticized for her short smiles and lack of expression, which she must have understood.
He concluded: “This inauguration’s Melania was protected from criticism by hiding her expression behind a wide-brimmed hat so she could keep her neutral expression with no issue.”
Yes, the hat. Melania wore her hat all day, inside and out, making headlines. The headgear was designed by Eric Javits, who said clothing Melania was a career highlight.
“My art background gave me an edge in bringing harmony and balance to the face by creating hat shapes that would flatter and enhance every kind of face,” Javits stated. “In this case that was not difficult, in that Mrs. Trump is blessed with great bone structure, beauty, and style.”
Even while the hat looked to be sitting steadily, Melania’s husband saw something else. Donald joked in Emancipation Hall that her hat nearly blew away next to a military chopper.
“She almost blew away,” Trump joked. “She was lifted.”
A blue silk wool coat, navy skirt, and ivory silk crepe shirt by American designer Adam Lippes accompanied Melania’s headwear.
“The presidential inauguration tradition embodies the beauty of American democracy and today we had the honor to dress our first lady, Mrs. Melania Trump,” Lippes remarked. Mrs. Trump’s dress was made by some of America’s best craftspeople, and I’m proud to show it off.”
Despite the Trumps’ successful ceremony, social media commenters criticized Melania’s headwear. One Twitter user said, “looks like she’s going to a funeral.”
Another said, “She’s mourning America.”
Donald and Melania’s second term at 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue will bring many changes. Not having their son Barron Trump living there is a significant difference. The New York University student started last year. Although Barron may not visit frequently, his mother told Fox that he is always welcome.
“Obviously he’ll have a bedroom there, but he’s an adult in college. Melania said she anticipates his arrival and would love for him to bring friends. “Yes, whatever he wants. I think children have them until 18 or 19. We teach, advise, and equip them to soar. I always respect Barron’s yes and no, his preferences, and his location.”
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