Melania Trump Returns as First Lady at Trump’s Second Inauguration
Melania Trump has once again assumed the role of First Lady of the United States. On Monday, January 20, Donald Trump was sworn in as the 47th president, marking the beginning of his second term in office. Because of the unusually cold weather, the oath of office was taken inside the Capitol Rotunda rather than outdoors.
Throughout the full day of ceremonies and celebrations, Melania stood alongside her husband, joined by their son Barron and the rest of the Trump family.
In contrast to election night—when one body language expert described Melania as appearing “unhappy”—her demeanor at the inauguration seemed notably different. This time, the focus was not only on her expression, but especially on what she wore, and one accessory in particular drew intense attention.
A Statement-Making Look – Especially the Hat
Melania Trump’s fashion choices have always been closely watched, and her 2025 inauguration outfit was no exception. The centerpiece was a striking wide-brimmed hat that many observers believed was sending a strong visual message.
While some praised the ensemble as polished and powerful, others online mocked the hat and speculated about what it symbolized, turning it into one of the most talked‑about elements of the day.
What Her Outfit Was Meant to Signal
Speaking to the Mirror, body language expert Judi James argued that Melania’s clothing communicated a clear shift in how she intends to present herself as First Lady this time around.
James described Melania’s saucer‑style hat paired with a sharply tailored coat as a deliberate “power uniform” that visually aligned her with Donald Trump as an equal partner and “a woman who means business.” The hat’s brim hid her eyes, but her smile, according to James, looked poised and “regal,” reinforcing an image of confidence and control.
James also analyzed Melania’s conduct during more awkward moments, particularly when the Trumps said goodbye to the Bidens after Donald Trump’s fiery speech. When Joe Biden reportedly placed his arm around Melania’s waist for several seconds, Melania is said to have subtly turned back toward her husband, keeping one elbow pointed outward while holding onto the brim of her hat. As Donald Trump leaned in to shake Biden’s hand, Melania wrapped an arm around her husband’s waist and patted him, which James interpreted as a gesture of approval and reassurance.
These small touches, James suggested, were among several “power signals” indicating that Melania feels more assured and more active in shaping her own image during this second term.
Fashion Industry Pushback on Dressing Melania
Despite how polished the final look appeared, putting together Melania Trump’s inauguration wardrobe was not straightforward. According to Women’s Wear Daily, the publication contacted 16 designers to ask if they would be willing to dress the First Lady for the event. Many major fashion houses declined to comment or avoided getting involved.
This resistance is not new. During Donald Trump’s first term, high‑profile designers such as Tom Ford, Marc Jacobs, and Jason Wu publicly refused to dress Melania, reflecting broader political tensions within the fashion industry.
Representatives for brands including Michael Kors, Diotima’s Rachel Scott, Zankov’s Sergio Hudson, and House of Gilles reportedly declined to say whether they would work with her on this occasion, underlining how divisive her image remains among designers.
Hervé Pierre on the Backlash
One of Melania Trump’s most consistent collaborators has been French designer Hervé Pierre, who has dressed her for several major events. In an interview with Women’s Wear Daily, Pierre said he has never received a clear explanation from fellow designers about why they refuse to work with her, but he acknowledged that the fashion world is “not very welcoming” toward the Trumps.
He noted that while some in the industry remain open‑minded and might see designing for Melania as an opportunity to create something special, “a lot of people are not.”
Pierre recalled a particularly stark moment of backlash: while shopping in a designer boutique in New York City, he says he was told outright that he was “not welcome here” because of his association with the Trumps. He described the experience as shocking, emphasizing that, criticism of Melania aside, he never expected to be refused service as a paying customer.
He contrasted this with the attitude of some European designers, whom he described as more pragmatic. For them, dressing someone as high‑profile as Melania Trump—given the immense media coverage—can be viewed as a business opportunity, generating both sales and free publicity.
Stronger “Power Signals” and a More Relaxed Confidence
Judi James also highlighted how Melania and Donald Trump displayed their relationship physically during the inauguration. She pointed out that Donald spent much of the day holding his wife’s hand—sometimes raising their clasped hands slightly, almost as if to “display” their unity as they walked toward their car.
James interpreted this as a mix of pride in Melania and a protective, gentlemanly gesture as they navigated steps and curbs. Donald’s expression, she noted, was his familiar stern, almost severe look, echoing his official portrait.
Melania, by contrast, seemed intent on adding a sense of celebration. Even though her eyes were overshadowed by the brim of her hat, James said her wide, full smile conveyed a relaxed confidence that contrasted with her more tense public appearances in the past.
How Melania’s 2025 Demeanor Compares to 2017
Another body language specialist, Inbaal Honigman, told the Express that Melania’s posture and expressions at the 2025 inauguration were markedly different from those at Donald Trump’s first swearing‑in.
According to Honigman, Melania this time appeared “still and neutral.” She sat in what he described as a classic model pose, her face steady and composed, seemingly careful not to draw attention away from her husband during key moments.
In 2017, by contrast, she smiled more frequently, waved to the crowds, and projected a more overtly friendly persona. Honigman noted that Melania’s natural resting expression is quite neutral; she is not highly expressive, and in the past she has been criticized for smiles that appear brief or forced. This time, he suggested, she may have chosen a strategy that minimizes such criticism.
He concluded that the wide‑brimmed hat played a role in this: by partially concealing her face, it allowed her to maintain a neutral expression without it being scrutinized as harshly.
The Story Behind the Hat and the Inauguration Ensemble
The now‑famous hat was designed by Eric Javits, who described the opportunity to dress Melania Trump as one of the greatest honors of his career. Javits, who has a background in art, said that his training helps him design hat shapes that balance and flatter different face types. In Melania’s case, he remarked, this was made easier by what he called her strong bone structure, beauty, and refined sense of style.
The hat’s low brim made it difficult for cameras to capture Melania’s eyes, adding to the air of mystery around her. Although it appeared securely in place, Donald Trump later joked that the hat nearly took flight. Speaking in Emancipation Hall, he recounted that while Melania stood near a military helicopter, a gust of wind almost lifted her off the ground along with the hat. “She almost blew away,” he laughed, saying she was practically being “elevated” by the wind.
Her overall look for the day included a navy silk‑wool coat and matching skirt, paired with an ivory silk crepe blouse. The outfit was created by American designer Adam Lippes, who said he was honored to dress the First Lady for such a symbolic event. Lippes emphasized that the ensemble was crafted by some of the finest artisans in the United States, and he expressed pride in showcasing American craftsmanship on a global stage.
Social Media Reacts: “She’s Mourning America”
While the inauguration itself unfolded smoothly, online commentary about Melania’s appearance was far from unanimous. Social media users quickly weighed in on X (formerly Twitter), and the hat became a lightning rod for criticism and jokes.
One user remarked that Melania looked as if she were “going to a funeral,” while another wrote that “she’s mourning America,” interpreting the dark, dramatic outfit as somber rather than celebratory.
As Donald and Melania Trump settle into their second stint at 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue, much will be different from their first stay in the White House. One notable change concerns their son, Barron Trump, whose life and role will inevitably look very different now that he is older and the family is returning to Washington with far more experience—and scrutiny—than before.
