An opinion piece in Vogue magazine published on January 29, 2025, scrutinizing First Lady Melania Trump’s official White House portrait has sparked a spirited media controversy.
The unveiling of this portrait is notable because it coincides with President Trump’s second non-consecutive term in the White House. Vogue’s critique underscores the growing discord between the fashion industry’s upper echelons and political figures, given the magazine’s history of covering first ladies.
Vogue’s fashion columnist, Hannah Jackson, offered a sharp critique of Melania’s portrait, honing in on her ensemble – a black Dolce & Gabbana tuxedo jacket, white button-up shirt, and a Ralph Lauren cummerbund. Jackson wrote that the outfit made Melania appear “more like a freelance magician than a public servant.” He depicted the portrait as a “boardroom pastiche” more fitting for her husband’s previous reality show “The Apprentice” than an official White House photograph.
The article referred to Melania’s past fashion choices, including the controversial “I Really Don’t Care, Do U?” jacket she wore during a visit to a migrant detention center during her first term. It suggested that her fashion choices often convey particular messages. Jackson argued that her refusal to “abandon theatrics” is a reflection of her connection to “a reality-television empire” and her residence in a “gold-encrusted penthouse.”
Jackson acknowledged an improvement in the new portrait compared to Melania’s 2017 version, which the writer described as “airbrushed into oblivion.” However, the critique ventured beyond personal styling, offering a broader commentary on the family’s display of wealth and power. Vogue observed the transition from Melania’s previous portrait, which featured a prominent diamond ring, to the current image’s focus on tech CEOs present at the 2025 inauguration.
The review compared other Trump family fashion choices, explicitly criticizing Ivanka Trump’s inaugural ball gown, inspired by Audrey Hepburn’s dress in “Sabrina.” The magazine characterized this choice as “misguided” within the “political realm,” suggesting a trend of prioritizing glamour over traditional political imagery.
This critique has reignited the longstanding tension between Vogue and Melania. During her earlier White House tenure, she was notably absent from the magazine’s covers, breaking a longstanding Vogue tradition of featuring first ladies. Vogue’s editor-in-chief, Anna Wintour, has previously praised former First Lady Michelle Obama but has not acknowledged Melania. When asked about her lack of presence on the magazine’s cover, Melania stated she “had much more important things to do than be on the cover.”
Conservative commentators have responded strongly, describing Melania as a “portrait of beauty, style, elegance and power” and accusing Vogue of exhibiting “poisonous venom” and “mean girl” behavior. Critics point out the magazine’s contrasting treatment of Democratic figures, such as its numerous cover features of former First Lady Jill Biden and former Vice President Kamala Harris. This feud has grown beyond a fashion critique into a broader debate about political representation in the mainstream media.
Social media’s reaction to the portrait has been mixed. Melania’s supporters applauded the image’s intensity and aesthetic appeal. Some observers have questioned whether the picture has been digitally enhanced, while others have compared it to professional magazine covers.
Despite considerable backlash, Vogue has stood by its editorial stance, and the article remains published. The White House has yet to respond to the magazine’s critique officially.