US First Lady Melania Trump's newly released official portrait, taken at the White House soon after her husband's presidential inauguration, features her in a black and white photo. In the image, she is attired in a dark business suit with a white shirt, posing with her hands resting on a reflective table in the Yellow Oval Room, with the Washington Monument visible in the background.
A former fashion model, Mrs. Trump is accustomed to scrutiny over her fashion choices and poses. The portrait was captured by Régine Mahaux, a Belgian photographer with a longstanding association with the Trump family, who also photographed her first official portrait in 2017 for the initial term in office. Mahaux expressed her gratitude for the opportunity to photograph Mrs. Trump a second time.
Analyzing the portrait, Gwendolyn DuBois Shaw of the University of Pennsylvania noted similarities with Mrs. Trump's previous official portrait, highlighting the deliberate choice of attire and pose. The reflection of the Washington Monument in the background symbolizes power and her positioning suggests readiness to engage in her role as advocate and hostess.
Fashion writer Ellie Violet Bramley commented on the portrait portraying a sense of power, diverging from the traditional softening role associated with first ladies. Bramley noted subtle details such as attire and posture reflecting a modern and sculpted silhouette, reflecting a shift in Mrs. Trump's public image towards a more intentional and empowered stance.
In contrast to her previous term, where she remained largely subdued in public engagements, Mrs. Trump's current portrait signifies a more deliberate and assertive presence. The black and white composition, direct gaze, and subtle nuances in her appearance suggest a deliberate departure from her previous image, projecting an enigmatic and poised demeanor.