The presidents of the United States aren’t the only ones with official portraits. The First Ladies have a place in history as well with stunning portrayals gracing the public domain.
The latest is a portrait of Melania Trump by Belgian photographer Régine Mahaux. The former model was captured in black and white by Mahaux, who is celebrated for her elegant and refined portraiture. Currently based in Paris, she has built an impressive portfolio featuring high-profile personalities from various fields.
The photo was taken in the Yellow Oval Room, one of three oval-shaped rooms on the second floor of the White House, with the Washington Monument in the background. It was placed in the White House a day after Melania’s husband, Donald J. Trump, was inaugurated as the 47th president. The couple’s return to Washington comes as they celebrate their 20th wedding anniversary.
The official portrait signifies a shift in the First Lady’s public image, suggesting a more active engagement in political life during her husband’s second term. In recent months, she has participated in more interviews and public appearances, indicating an increased involvement in her role as First Lady. She traveled with him four days after the inauguration to survey the hurricane disaster in North Carolina and the wildfire devastation in Los Angeles.
Mrs. Trump returns to the White House as only the second First Lady born outside the United States and the only one to become a naturalized U.S. citizen. Louisa Adams, wife of the sixth President, John Quincy Adams, was born a U.S. citizen in London, England, in 1775 because her father was an American merchant. She did not have to go through naturalization, as did Mrs. Trump.
Born Melanija Knavs on April 26, 1970,
the First Lady grew up in Sevnica, Slovenia, where her father sold cars, and her mother worked in the textile industry. She attended the University of Ljubljana for a year before leaving to pursue a modeling career. Under the name Melania Knauss, she found success in Milan and Paris before moving to New York City in 1996. She appeared in high-profile advertising campaigns and worked with renowned photographers in the fashion industry.
The Trumps first met in 1998 and were married in 2005. They have one son, Barron, born in 2006. In her role as First Lady, Melania has focused on initiatives impacting the lives of children through her “Be Best” campaign, which addressed issues such as well-being, online safety, and opioid abuse.
She released her memoir, “Melania,” in October, offering an intimate portrait of her life, including her journey from Slovenia, modeling career, marriage to the President, and experiences during his first term. She also wrote about her personal challenges, such as the 2024 assassination attempt on her husband and the 2022 FBI raid on their Mar-a-Lago estate, where agents rifled through her personal belongings.
Melania Trump is recognized worldwide and is an elegant and deserving partner to the President. He frequently mentions the First Lady, famously quoting her reactions to his appearances and her request to clean up his language.