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- First lady Melania Trump is keeping a relatively low profile during Donald Trump’s second term.
- She divides her time between homes in Florida, New York, and DC.
- The first lady has made more public appearances than usual during the holiday season.
It’s a refrain dating back to the first Trump White House: Where’s Melania?
First lady Melania Trump, who remained an enigmatic figure during President Donald Trump’s first term, has kept an even lower profile during his second.
Ahead of the 2025 inauguration, Melania Trump told Fox News that she planned to divide her time between the White House, Trump Tower in New York City, and Mar-a-Lago in Palm Beach, Florida.
This schedule has made her an infrequent White House presence, with a select few appearances at public events each month. However, the winter holidays have been a busier time for public engagements for the first lady, whose duties include overseeing the White House Christmas decorations.
Melania Trump’s muted fashion choices could also indicate her desire to remain out of the spotlight. At White House events, she has largely appeared wearing neutral basics in beige, cream, and gray. It’s a departure from the bold outfits she often chose during Donald Trump’s first term.
A spokesperson for the Office of the First Lady declined to comment.
Take a look at the first lady’s White House activities and appearances thus far.
January 20: Melania Trump attended the inauguration.
Melania Trump held the Bible as Donald Trump was sworn in for his second non-consecutive term, and the couple danced together at several inaugural balls later that evening.
For the swearing-in ceremony, Melania Trump wore a navy coat and skirt by Adam Lippes, an American designer. She accessorized with a matching wide-brimmed hat by Eric Javits.
Her black-and-white inaugural gown was designed by Hervé Pierre.
January 21: The president and first lady joined Vice President JD Vance and Usha Vance at the National Day of Prayer Service.
The service, the last of Donald Trump’s inaugural events, was held at the Washington National Cathedral in Washington, DC.
January 24: Melania Trump and Donald Trump visited California and North Carolina to survey damage caused by natural disasters.
Melania Trump joined Donald Trump to visit Los Angeles in the aftermath of multiple wildfires and neighborhoods in North Carolina damaged by Hurricane Helene.
Together, they met with first responders and residents who had lost their homes and businesses. Melania Trump was photographed hugging and shaking hands with those affected by the natural disasters.
February 22: Donald Trump and Melania Trump hosted the National Governors Association dinner at the White House.
Melania Trump wore a black Dolce & Gabbana tuxedo, similar to the outfit she chose for her official White House portrait, while posing for photos with governors from across the US.
Donald Trump thanked Melania Trump in his speech, saying that she “made the evening beautiful.”
March 3: She participated in a roundtable discussion on the “TAKE IT DOWN” Act targeting revenge porn.
“TAKE IT DOWN” is an acronym for “Tools to Address Known Exploitation by Immobilizing Technological Deepfakes on Websites and Networks.”
The act criminalizes the publication of non-consensual intimate imagery, including AI-generated deepfakes, and requires websites to remove them.
“Every young person deserves a safe online space to express themself freely, without the looming threat of exploitation or harm,” Melania Trump said in her opening remarks.
She wore a tan three-piece suit by Ralph Lauren with a black tie.
March 4: Melania Trump attended Donald Trump’s speech to a joint session of Congress.
The first lady’s guests included the families of Corey Comperatore, the firefighter who was fatally shot during an assassination attempt against Donald Trump in Butler, Pennsylvania, and Laken Riley, who was killed by a man who had entered the US illegally.
Melania Trump wore a gray skirt suit by Dior.
April 1: She attended the International Women of Courage Awards.
Melania Trump, joined by Secretary of State Marco Rubio, presented awards to several notable women in a ceremony held at the State Department. She wore a leopard-print coat designed by Milly Park.
“These extraordinary women illuminate the transformative power of love in shaping our world,” she said in her remarks at the event. “Their journeys remind us that true courage is born from a deep commitment to others, showing that love fuels the call for justice.”
April 2: She spoke at the annual Congressional Club’s First Lady’s Luncheon.
“Our community flourishes when we unite to uplift our children and equip them to turn dreams into reality,” she said in her speech.
April 21: She appeared alongside Donald Trump at the White House Easter Egg Roll.
Melania Trump read the book “Bunny with a Big Heart” to a group of children at the event while wearing a cream Mackage trench coat.
April 25: Donald Trump and Melania Trump departed the White House together to travel to Pope Francis’ funeral.
The president and first lady were among several world leaders who attended the late pope’s funeral in Vatican City.
May 8: She hosted an event for military mothers and unveiled a US postage stamp honoring Barbara Bush at the White House.
“I applaud Mrs. Bush’s mark defending our society’s vital need for women across all avenues, whether CEO or homemaker,” Melania Trump said at the unveiling. “We have, can, and will build better families and run innovative businesses at the same time, ultimately shaping a brighter future.”
She wore a white suit jacket paired with a black pencil skirt.
May 19: Melania Trump spoke at the signing ceremony for the “TAKE IT DOWN” Act in the Rose Garden.
The bill, which was first presented to Congress in 2024 before Donald Trump took office, received widespread bipartisan support.
“Artificial intelligence and social media are the digital candy for the next generation: sweet, addictive, and engineered to have an impact on the cognitive development of our children,” Melania Trump said in her remarks at the signing ceremony.
The first lady wore a gray Prada suit for the event.
May 20: Melania Trump hosted a Take Our Daughters and Sons to Work Day event for children in the Kennedy Garden.
The first lady greeted the children of White House staffers as they participated in an arts-and-crafts activity.
“It is always special to see children’s creativity and spirit on display, especially here at the White House where so many hardworking men and women support the success of our nation every day,” she said in a White House statement.
She wore a white Dolce & Gabbana button-down shirt and a patterned skirt by Michael Kors.
May 21: She spoke at the Senate Spouses Luncheon held at the National Gallery of Art.
Melania Trump, wearing a white skirt suit, spoke about her Be Best platform, which focuses on children’s well-being, and her Fostering the Future initiative, which supports children transitioning out of foster care.
“Together, we will uplift and empower our children, ensuring they have the support needed to thrive,” the first lady wrote in a post on X. “Let’s continue this vital mission and inspire a brighter future for all!”
June 11: She accompanied Donald Trump to the opening night of “Les Misérables” at the Kennedy Center.
Melania Trump wore a black midi dress designed by Bottega Veneta, while Donald Trump wore a black tuxedo.
Second lady Usha Vance and Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s wife Cheryl Hines wore midi dresses similar to Melania Trump’s.
June 12: She greeted attendees at the Congressional Picnic on the South Lawn of the White House.
Melania Trump shook hands and took selfies with members of Congress and their families at the annual White House event. She paired a basic white shirt with vibrant floral pants by Dolce & Gabbana.
June 14: Melania Trump attended the US Army’s 250th anniversary parade alongside Donald Trump.
The military parade featured 150 Army vehicles, 50 aircraft, and around 6,600 troops in uniform making their way down Constitution Avenue in Washington, DC, to mark the US Army’s historic anniversary. June 14 was also Donald Trump’s 79th birthday.
Melania Trump escorted Donald Trump onstage for his remarks at the event, but did not issue any statement of her own. She wore a pinstriped ivory skirt suit by Adam Lippes.
July 3: She visited Children’s National Hospital in Washington, DC, ahead of July Fourth.
After arriving at the hospital carrying toys for children, the first lady chatted with patients, took part in July Fourth-themed crafts, and visited the hospital’s healing garden, which features a rose bush from the White House.
July 4: Melania Trump appeared beside her husband at Fourth of July events at the White House.
The first couple watched the July Fourth fireworks display from the White House. They also hosted a military family picnic on the South Lawn earlier in the day.
Also that day, Donald Trump signed his tax and spending bill, which he dubbed his “Big Beautiful Bill,” after it was passed by the House of Representatives on July 3.
She wore a white shirtdress by Thom Browne.
July 11: The president and first lady visited central Texas towns devastated by flash flooding.
The first couple visited Texas a week after the Guadalupe River in Kerr County rose 26 feet in just 45 minutes as rain battered the region, leaving more than 130 dead. The Trumps met with families of victims, first responders, and local officials.
“It’s a horrible thing, it’s a horrible thing,” Donald Trump told the press as he departed the White House on July 11. “Nobody can even believe it — that much water that fast.”
At a press conference in Texas, Melania Trump said, “My deepest sympathy to all of the parents who lost beautiful young souls — deepest sympathy from all of us to the community, to everybody who lost a loved one. We are grieving with you. Our nation is grieving with you.”
July 13: They attended the FIFA Club World Cup final, which Melania Trump watched from behind a striking pair of Dior sunglasses.
Donald Trump and Melania Trump watched Chelsea defeat Paris Saint-Germain in the FIFA Club World Cup 2025 final at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey.
Donald Trump, who received both cheers and boos at the game, called it “a great match.”
Melania Trump watched the game from behind her bright-white Dior sunglasses, which resembled the Vuarnet glasses worn by Sam Altman at Sun Valley just days earlier. She wore them with a black-and-white Michael Kors outfit.
September 4: Melania Trump attended a meeting of the White House Task Force on Artificial Intelligence Education.
The task force was created in April as part of Donald Trump’s executive order, “Advancing Artificial Intelligence Education For American Youth.”
“Our future is no longer science fiction,” Melania Trump said at the meeting. “During this primitive stage, it is our duty to treat AI as we would our own children — empowering, but with watchful guidance.”
The first lady wore a gray striped suit with a white shirt and belt.
September 4: After her task force meeting, she joined Donald Trump for a White House dinner with tech and business leaders.
The guest list included Mark Zuckerberg, Sam Altman, and Tim Cook among over a dozen tech and AI executives. Elon Musk was not in attendance, though he sent a representative to the event.
During the dinner, Altman called Donald Trump a “pro-business, pro-innovation president,” and Cook thanked the president for “helping companies around the world” and the first lady for “focusing on education.”
Melania Trump changed into a black outfit for the gathering.
September 11: The president and first lady attended a ceremony at the Pentagon on the 24th anniversary of September 11, 2001.
They observed a moment of silence in memory of those who were killed in the September 11 terrorist attacks.
September 16: She joined Donald Trump on a state visit to the UK.
Donald Trump and Melania Trump disembarked from Air Force One at London Stansted Airport and were greeted by British soldiers and British Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper.
September 17: They received a ceremonial welcome at Windsor Castle with King Charles and Queen Camilla.
A horse-drawn carriage ride transported them to Windsor Castle, where troops were assembled in a Guard of Honor. Afterward, they viewed items from the Royal Collection and toured St George’s Chapel.
Melania Trump accessorized her Dior skirt suit with a purple hat that matched Donald Trump’s tie.
September 17: Later that evening, Melania Trump wore a yellow Carolina Herrera gown to a state banquet at St George’s Hall.
Donald Trump was escorted into dinner by King Charles, and Queen Camilla entered with Melania Trump.
September 18: Charles and Camilla said farewell to Donald Trump and Melania Trump on the final day of their state visit.
“He’s a great gentleman and a great king,” Donald Trump said of Charles after their formal goodbye at Windsor Castle.
September 18: Melania Trump visited Queen Mary’s Dolls’ House with Queen Camilla and Frogmore Gardens with Kate Middleton.
Melania Trump changed from a tan skirt suit to a tan jacket and cream slacks, which were better suited for playing lawn games with children from the Scouts’ Squirrels program at Frogmore Gardens.
September 23: The first lady launched a new project at the United Nations General Assembly.
Back in the US, Melania Trump launched a global coalition called “Fostering the Future Together” dedicated to “enhancing the well-being of children through the promotion of education, innovation, and technology,” the White House said.
October 5: She joined Donald Trump to mark the Navy’s 250th anniversary.
The president and first lady greeted sailors and observed demonstrations during a visit to the USS George H.W. Bush aircraft carrier in Norfolk, Virginia.
October 10: Melania Trump spoke about her connection with Russian President Vladimir Putin that helped reunite displaced children.
Melania Trump wrote a letter to Russian President Vladimir Putin in August, urging him to end the war in Ukraine to restore the “melodic laughter” of children displaced by the conflict.
In October, she announced that her “open channel of communication” with Putin had helped reunite eight Ukrainian children with their families.
October 30: The president and first lady handed out candy at the White House for Halloween.
Neither dressed up in a Halloween costume — Donald Trump wore one of his signature red hats, and Melania Trump wore a brown coat with orange trim by Marni.
November 13: Melania Trump launched a new “Fostering the Future” initiative.
In the East Room of the White House, Trump signed an executive order aimed at strengthening the foster care system as part of Melania Trump’s new “Fostering the Future” initiative.
The program, an extension of the first lady’s “Be Best” initiative, aims to enhance opportunities for young people in foster care, including connecting them with educational and employment resources.
“This Executive Order, ‘Fostering the Future for American Children and Families, ‘ gives me tremendous pride,” Melania Trump wrote on X. “It is both empathetic and strategic. It will certainly be impactful.”
November 18: Melania Trump and the president welcomed Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman of Saudi Arabia to a state dinner.
The couple welcomed the prince, who had met with Trump earlier in the day, to a state dinner at the White House.
The first lady wore a floor-length Elie Saab gown in what The New York Times dubbed “Saudi green,” noting it was a similar hue to the green of Saudi Arabia’s flag.
November 19: Usha Vance joined her while visiting military families and schools in Jacksonville, North Carolina.
Melania Trump and Usha Vance stopped by DeLalio Elementary School on the Marine Corps Air Station New River, part of the Camp Lejeune Community Schools system.
November 24: Melania Trump welcomed the Official White House Christmas Tree.
The Official White House Christmas tree, an 18-foot concolor fir from Sidney, Michigan, was displayed in the Blue Room as part of the first lady’s White House Christmas decorations.
Melania Trump wore a cream Christian Dior coat with red gloves and Manolo Blahnik heels in holiday plaid.
November 25: The president and first lady pardoned a turkey in the Rose Garden.
Donald Trump pardoned two turkeys named Gobble and Waddle. Melania Trump stood beside him in a brown tweed skirt by Ralph Lauren and a matching bomber jacket by Anine Bing.
November 30: After spending Thanksgiving at Mar-a-Lago, Donald Trump and Melania Trump returned to the White House.
The first lady arrived on the White House lawn in an olive Burberry coat and sunglasses.
December 1: Melania Trump and Usha Vance made another joint appearance, this time at an American Red Cross holiday event.
Melania Trump and Usha Vance wrote holiday cards and assembled care packages for deployed US military service members at Joint Base Andrews in Maryland.
The first lady’s wool shirt jacket and turtleneck were both by Ralph Lauren. She also wore brown skinny jeans and knee-high boots by Christian Louboutin.
December 4: Melania Trump and Donald Trump attended the National Christmas Tree lighting on the White House Ellipse.
Melania Trump wore a white Chanel coat as she performed the honors, pressing the button to illuminate the 32-foot-tall red spruce.
December 5: Melania Trump read the book “How Does Santa Go Down the Chimney?” at a Children’s National Hospital holiday event.
It was a busy day for the first lady. Later that night, she also welcomed singer Andrea Bocelli to the White House and attended the FIFA World Cup 2026 Official Draw at the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts.
December 7: The president and first lady walked the red carpet at the 2025 Kennedy Center Honors.
Melania Trump’s black Givenchy gown may have been a nod to LVMH, the conglomerate that owns Givenchy as well as Tiffany, which designed the new Kennedy Center medallions awarded to honorees.
December 8: She was joined by Santa Claus at a Toys for Tots charity drive at Marine Corps Base Quantico in Virginia.
The first lady wore a white coat by Proenza Schouler as she greeted military families and supporters of Toys for Tots.
“This Christmas season, you, your friends, and your families should wish for the ultimate gift — love,” she said in her remarks at the event. “After all, love travels further than Santa’s sleigh and America’s Ospreys.”
December 11: Melania Trump spoke at the Congressional Ball held at the White House.
Wearing a Dolce & Gabbana suit with a black lace top, Melania Trump thanked legislators for their “overwhelmingly bipartisan support” for the Take It Down Act.
December 12: The president and first lady hosted a holiday reception at the White House.
Melania Trump wore a white skirt suit, while Donald Trump wore his signature red tie.
December 24: On Christmas Eve, Donald and Melania Trump called US service members and spoke to children while participating in the NORAD Santa Tracker.
The president and first lady spent Christmas at Mar-a-Lago, which has often functioned as Donald Trump’s “winter White House.”
On Christmas Eve, they called US service members to wish them a merry Christmas and fielded calls from children while tracking Santa Claus with the North American Aerospace Defense Command.
The first lady wore a black Valentino dress with embroidered sleeves and black Christian Louboutin heels.
December 31: Melania Trump wore sparkles to Mar-a-Lago’s annual New Year’s Eve party.
Melania Trump’s silver sequined dress was designed by The New Arrivals.
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