Melania Trump became the First Lady of the United States for the second time on Monday, January 20, and just like her first time, she got an official portrait made.
The White House unveiled Melania’s official portrait on Monday, January 27, which was taken by Régine Mahaux. The black-and-white photograph was seemingly taken inside the White House, with the 54-year-old reportedly sporting a Dolce & Gabbana tuxedo jacket, a white button-up shirt, and Ralph Lauren trousers, while resting her hands on a reflective desk. The Washington Monument is visible in the background of the picture, which was taken on Tuesday, January 21, the day after Donald Trump’s inauguration.
The image was quickly shared across social media and other platforms, garnering a slew of responses from users — good, bad, and funny.
“Why does she pose like she’s the president? SHE IS NOT THE PRESIDENT 
,” wrote one user on X (formerly Twitter).
“The choice of black and white highlights a timeless, classic strength. She chose to shoot in front of the Washington Monument. I wonder if she plans to be more active in Trump’s second term,” noted another user.
Another user, who was seemingly unimpressed with the portrait, wrote, “Absolutely horrible. Nothing about this is feminine. Deeply disappointing.”
Meanwhile, some commenters were happy to see the portrait, with one saying, “Class is back in the White House!” and another, “Simply BEAUTIFUL- and captures the elegance, professionalism, and grace of our@FLOTUS @MELANIATRUMP!”
View this post on InstagramA post shared by First Lady Melania Trump (@flotus)
Some users pointed out similarities between the official portrait and photographs of Sean Connery and Pierce Brosnan as James Bond, which were taken by British photographer Terry O’Neill. Others noted the likeness between Melania’s portrait and a still of the character Claire Underwood from Netflix’s House of Cards, who is also the First Lady and played by actress Robin Wright.
The new portrait is a stark contrast to one taken during her husband Donald Trump’s first term as president. The 2017 photograph, which was also taken by Mahaux, was released in full color and was seemingly heavily edited.
