Melania Trump Returns as First Lady for Donald Trump’s Second Term
Melania Trump has officially resumed her role as the First Lady of the United States. On Monday, January 20, Donald Trump was sworn in as the 47th President of the United States, marking the start of his second term. Melania remained by his side throughout a full day of formal events and celebrations.
After election night, when a body language analyst described Melania as appearing “unhappy,” the mood at the inauguration seemed noticeably different. This time, attention quickly shifted to her fashion choices—especially one standout accessory that sparked intense discussion online.
A High-Profile Inauguration Day Inside the Capitol
For months, the Trump family had been preparing for a return to the White House. On January 20, that transition became official as Donald Trump took the oath of office. Melania and other family members, including the couple’s son Barron, attended the day’s major moments. Due to unusually cold conditions, the oath was administered indoors in the Capitol Rotunda.
Body Language Experts Spot Stronger “Power Signals”
Speaking to the Mirror, body language expert Judi James observed that Donald Trump appeared especially attentive toward Melania during the inauguration, frequently holding her hand. James described moments where he held her hand “like some Regency gentleman,” kissed her cheek, and looked at her closely during their dance—gestures she interpreted as unusually romantic and deliberate.
As always, Melania Trump’s outfit became a major talking point. According to James, the styling wasn’t just about fashion—it also communicated how Melania may intend to present herself as First Lady this time around.
What Her Outfit Was Said to Communicate
James pointed to Melania’s structured look as a signal of authority and purpose.
- Her saucer-shaped hat and sharply tailored coat were described as positioning her as Trump’s equal and as someone who “means business.”
- James added that Melania’s smile appeared “regal and confident,” while her eyes remained mostly concealed beneath the hat brim.
James also highlighted a socially tense moment after Trump’s speech, when the Bidens were being seen off. She noted that when President Biden placed an arm around Melania’s waist for several seconds, Melania turned toward her husband with an elbow angled outward while holding the brim of her hat. James interpreted this as Melania making her discomfort clear. She then placed her own arm around Trump’s waist and patted him, which James described as a gesture of reassurance and approval.
Designers and the First Lady: A Complicated Relationship
Even with the spotlight firmly on her, reports suggest securing the exact inauguration look may not have been straightforward. Women’s Wear Daily reportedly contacted 16 designers to ask whether they would dress Melania Trump, and the response underscored a long-running divide between the fashion industry and the Trump brand.
Representatives for labels and designers—including Michael Kors, Rachel Scott of Diotima, Sergio Hudson, and House of Gilles—declined to say whether they would work with her for the inauguration. During Trump’s first term, several prominent designers, such as Tom Ford, Marc Jacobs, and Jason Wu, publicly stated they would not dress her.
Hervé Pierre on Industry Pushback
French designer Hervé Pierre, who has worked with Melania in the past, told Women’s Wear Daily that he has never received a satisfying explanation for why some designers refuse. He said it is widely understood that the fashion world can be unwelcoming toward Trump-related figures.
Pierre also described a personal experience in New York City where he was told he was “not welcome” in a designer store because of his work with the Trumps. While he said he understands criticism of public figures, he was shocked by the treatment of someone simply shopping at full price.
He added that, in his view, European designers are often more willing to take a pragmatic approach—seeing the press attention around Melania as a business opportunity that can generate sales and visibility.
A More Confident Presence in Public
Judi James also said Melania’s confidence appeared stronger this time. She described Melania’s smile as warm and steady, giving “an air of relaxed confidence.”
James noted that as the couple left a service, their hand-holding became a more deliberate display of unity. She said Trump raised their clasped hands several times while walking—almost as if presenting it—suggesting pride and a protective, gentlemanly gesture. James contrasted Trump’s stern expression (similar to his official portrait) with Melania’s more celebratory demeanor, marked by a wide smile, even though her eyes were shaded by the hat.
Another Expert Says 2025 Melania Looked “Still and Neutral”
Melania Trump has said she feels far more prepared for a return to the White House. Another body language expert, Inbaal Honigman, told the Express that her demeanor during the 2025 inauguration appeared more controlled than in 2017.
Honigman described Melania’s posture as still and neutral—posed, composed, and not drawing attention away from her husband. He added that, compared with 2017 (when she smiled and waved more), this time she appeared more restrained. He also suggested that Melania’s naturally neutral expression has been criticized in the past, and that she likely knows it.
Honigman concluded that the wide-brimmed hat helped shield her face from scrutiny, allowing her to maintain a neutral expression with less risk of criticism.
The Hat That Dominated the Conversation
The accessory at the center of the day’s debate was Melania’s hat, which she wore both indoors and outside. It quickly became one of the most discussed items of the inauguration.
The hat was created by designer Eric Javits, who said in a statement that dressing the First Lady was one of the greatest honors of his career. He credited his art background for helping him design shapes that balance and flatter facial features, adding that Melania’s bone structure and sense of style made the task easier.
While the hat appeared secure, Donald Trump joked that it nearly flew off earlier in the day when Melania was near a military helicopter. Speaking in Emancipation Hall, he laughed that she “almost blew away,” saying she seemed to be lifted off the ground.
The Rest of the Look: Adam Lippes and American Craftsmanship
Along with the hat, Melania wore:
- a navy silk-wool coat
- a navy skirt
- an ivory silk crepe blouse
The outfit was designed by American designer Adam Lippes, who said in a statement that the inauguration reflects the beauty of American democracy. He added that it was an honor to dress the First Lady and that the look was produced by skilled American craftsmen—work he said he was proud to showcase to the world.
Social Media Reaction: Mockery and Harsh Comparisons
Despite the smooth execution of the day’s official events, online commentary quickly turned sharp. Social media users focused heavily on Melania’s hat, with some comparing the look to funeral attire. One X user wrote that she “looks like she’s going to a funeral,” while another posted: “She’s mourning America.”
A Second White House Chapter With Major Changes Ahead
As Donald and Melania Trump begin a new chapter at 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue, many aspects of life in the White House are expected to look different this time. One significant difference is that their son, Barron Trump, won’t
