Melania Trump’s newly released official White House portrait, unveiled on January 27, 2025, has attracted wide attention for its stark contrast to her 2017 portrait. The photograph — shot in black and white by longtime collaborator Régine Mahaux — shows her in a tailored dark suit with high‑waisted trousers, standing behind a reflective surface and gazing directly at the camera in a posture of quiet authority. The Washington Monument is subtly visible in the background through a window in the Yellow Oval Room, linking her image to national symbolism.

The 2025 portrait marks a deliberate shift in tone. In 2017, Mahaux captured Melania in color, using softer lighting and a more graceful, poised expression. In contrast, the new image projects assertiveness and formality — a visual message of strength, resolve, and a more public posture.

Reaction has been mixed. Some observers praised the portrait’s elegance, clarity, and modern power aesthetic. Others criticized her expression as too severe or detached, drawing comparisons to characters in political drama series like House of Cards. The use of a tuxedo‑style jacket and cummerbund ensemble (designed by Dolce & Gabbana) was noted as bold, even theatrical. Photographer Mahaux stated the image “didn’t need to be retouched,” attributing much of its visual authenticity to an overcast day that softened backlighting.

Overall, the portrait reinforces Melania Trump’s evolving public image — one that leans less on soft glamour and more on a strong, controlled visual identity. It underscores how she continues to use style, symbolism, and imagery to assert her presence and communicate indirectly with the public.