Melania Trump’s latest look sparks both applause and backlash

Melania Trump kept a low profile during the early months of Donald Trump’s second term, but lately, she’s been making more public appearances.

And at the recent White House Picnic, it wasn’t Trump who stole the show — it was the First Lady.

With summer just around the corner, First Lady Melania Trump stepped back into the spotlight on June 12 — turning heads as she joined crowds for the 2025 Congressional Picnic. The famously private wife of President Trump surprised many with her appearance, marking one of her rare outings this year.

The 55-year-old former model made a rare appearance on the South Lawn for the annual gathering and was immediately praised by her husband, who told the crowd:

“I want to thank our magnificent First Lady for putting together this wonderful evening.”

Typically known for her private nature and fierce protection of her son Barron’s privacy, Melania was seen smiling in a crisp white blouse and bold floral slacks as she mingled with attendees.

According to USA Today, Melania greeted guests at the event wearing floral cotton jacquard pants by Dolce & Gabbana and pink suede pumps from Manolo Blahnik —an effortlessly chic summer combo that didn’t go unnoticed.

Later that day, she was photographed chatting with people — and the images quickly made the rounds online and sparked a heated social media debate.

Some internet users raved about her fresh appearance, with one writing: “Melania is 100% Class! Trump and Melania are the perfect couple that all lovebirds should emulate.” Another added, “Tonight might have been the best I’ve seen Melania look. Hair was on point. [Her] Dress was simple yet elegant. Smiling as always. 10/10.”

But not everyone was as complimentary.

The phrase “Is That Bruce Jenner?” trended shortly after images from the event were shared. Critics flooded social media, with some suggesting Melania’s new look bore an uncanny resemblance to Caitlyn Jenner, formerly Bruce. “At first glance, thought I saw Caitlyn Jenner…” one Facebook user remarked.

This isn’t the first time that comparison has made headlines.

One Instagram account resurfaced old photos of Caitlyn post-transition alongside pictures of Melania, prompting comments like, “Melania and Bruce Jenner look surprisingly similar,” and, “They DO look alike. How weird. I’ve always thought Melania looks….husky. Not soft or feminine, and certainly not sweet. She has a masculine quality, and the facial structures are similar. It’s true.”

However, others pushed back fiercely against that claim. One person replied bluntly, “Melania looks NOTHING like Bruce Jenner!” while another simply said, “Oh p*ss off.”

The president, for his part, continued showering her with praise — not just for her looks but also for her recent work on legislation.

During his speech, Trump referenced her involvement in the Take It Down Act, a bill focused on removing nonconsensual explicit content online: “I want to thank you Melania and thank you everybody out there. When I saw that bill passed bipartisan, I said ‘You know, I think you’re going to take my job.’”

Melania Trump’s outfit choices are always under the microscope — sparking endless debate online, with many believing her wardrobe sends quiet signals about how she’s really feeling. As Women’sWear Daily once noted, her style shifted dramatically once she became First Lady — from high-glamour looks suited for the runway to more reserved and conservative ensembles.

Post-2016, she was frequently seen in Ralph Lauren, Valentino, and Burberry.

During Trump’s 2024 campaign trail, she embraced labels like Michael Kors and Dior — but her clothing continues to divide opinion.

While Melania Trump has a knack for mixing high-end glamour with the occasional budget-friendly find, her outfit at the swearing-in earlier this year caught everyone off guard. Dressed in a sleek black dress paired with a now-viral wide-brim hat, the look was a dramatic shift from the soft, Jackie Kennedy-style powder blue ensemble she wore at Donald Trump’s first inauguration back in 2017.

Gwendolyn DuBois Shaw, who chairs the History of Art Department at the University of Pennsylvania, analyzed the image, saying:

“[Melania] has positioned herself firmly behind that ultra shiny table, keeping a bit of a boundary between herself and the viewer.”

One viewer echoed a similar critique: “I’m guessing she doesn’t have a soft side to her. If she does, she never shows it. It would be nice if she did.”