If you thought the mainstream media was finally going to change, you were sadly wrong.
Vogue magazine recently took aim at Melania Trump’s official 2025 White House portrait, unleashing sharp criticism over both her appearance and choice of attire. In their review, the magazine likened her striking pose to a scene from the reality show “The Apprentice,” which her husband, former President Donald Trump, famously hosted for NBC. The black-and-white portrait, taken by photographer Régine Mahaux, features the First Lady leaning forward in a power pose, hands resting on a reflective table, with the Washington Monument looming in the background. Dressed in a dark-colored tuxedo-style jacket and trousers, paired with a crisp white shirt, the look seemed to evoke a sense of confidence and strength.
However, Vogue wasn’t impressed, arguing that the outfit “didn’t help the boardroom pastiche,” referring to her attire as reminiscent of a more theatrical approach. They specifically criticized her choice of a black Dolce & Gabbana tuxedo jacket with satin lapels, paired with a Ralph Lauren cummerbund. According to Vogue, this choice made Melania appear more like a “freelance magician” than a First Lady, reflecting her “television empire” background rather than the gravitas of the office she holds.
Interestingly, this new portrait marks a sharp contrast to her 2017 portrait, which depicted her in a softer light—smiling slightly, with a black blazer and arms crossed, showcasing her 25-carat diamond ring. At the time, her extravagant jewelry choice was met with backlash, with critics calling it tone-deaf, especially in light of the economic struggles many Americans faced. This time, instead of a flashy piece of jewelry, Melania’s wealth was said to be conveyed through the high-profile tech moguls who attended the 2025 inauguration, with a combined net worth surpassing a trillion dollars.
Vogue’s critique wasn’t limited to the First Lady’s portrait. They also took a jab at Ivanka Trump’s choice of a Givenchy gown for the 2025 inaugural ball, which they claimed was more about aesthetic than substance. Styled after an Audrey Hepburn look from the movie “Sabrina,” the gown was praised for its elegance but dismissed by Vogue as an inappropriate tribute to Old Hollywood glamour in a political context.
Vogue’s criticisms are a continuation of their long-standing scrutiny of the Trump family’s public personas. While some may view Melania’s new portrait and Ivanka’s gown as bold statements of confidence and style, critics in the media seem eager to dismiss these choices as mere theatrics, divorced from the serious work of politics. But for many conservative viewers, the Trumps’ approach to fashion may not be about fitting into traditional political norms—it may be about rejecting the establishment’s expectations and presenting a more unapologetic image of power and independence.