Melania Trump's new White House portrait has sparked controversy. Vogue compared the former First Lady's look to that of a freelance magician. The black-and-white image, taken by photographer Régine Mahaux, was released on Monday.
It features Trump in a power pose, leaning forward with her hands on a reflective table. The Washington Monument is visible in the background. Vogue's critique focused on Trump's fashion choice.
She wore a black Dolce & Gabbana tuxedo jacket with satin-trimmed lapels over a white button-up shirt. A Ralph Lauren cummerbund and matching trousers completed the outfit. The magazine argued that the tuxedo made her appear more like a performer than a public servant.
"The choice to wear a tuxedo instead of a blazer or blouse made Trump look more like a freelance magician," Vogue stated. The article further noted that Melania's background in fashion and reality television influenced her style. "It's perhaps unsurprising that a woman who lived in a gold-encrusted penthouse and was part of a reality television empire would embrace theatrics.
" The 2025 portrait is a stark contrast to Trump's 2017 official White House portrait. In that earlier image, she wore a black blazer and had her arms crossed with a slight smile. The color photograph had a soft-focus effect, making it look polished and refined.
Vogue also revisited past criticisms of Melania's style. In 2024, she faced backlash for wearing a 25-carat diamond ring, reportedly a gift from former President.
