All the details behind Melania Trump’s latest portrait
A commanding power pose — that’s how many would describe the official photo of Melania Trump recently released by the White House.
But for those with a keen eye, there’s another detail that stands out…
Black-and-white portrait
As First Lady of the United States, Melania Trump has brought her own unique style and elegance to the White House.
Known for her elegance and eye for detail, Melania Trump’s official portraits have always been more than just photos. They’ve sparked plenty of conversations and debates, inviting people to take a closer look at her style, her personality, and her place in American history.
The latest photo released by the White House is no exception, embodying both grace and strength while leaving viewers intrigued by some subtle details.
White House
This black-and-white portrait, taken by renowned photographer Régine Mahaux, was shot on January 21, 2025, in the Yellow Oval Room of the White House, as confirmed by the first lady’s office. Mahaux is a Belgian photographer who has spent over two decades capturing images of the Trump family.
”I was really honoured to be chosen to shoot this official portrait for the second time,” Ms Mahaux told BBC.
”As an artist to work with such an inspiring woman is a great privilege. She is a perfectionist and is really involved in the creative process.”
In the official photo, the first lady is pictured in a commanding power pose, leaning forward slightly with her hands placed firmly on a table. The towering Washington Monument looms in the background, dominating the skyline of the nation’s capital.
Did you notice the change?
Many have pointed out that Melania Trump, a former fashion model, presents a vastly different image in her 2025 portrait compared to her official 2017 photo.
Back in 2017, Melania faced significant backlash over one particular detail in her official portrait. She prominently displayed her 25-carat diamond ring, a gift from President Donald Trump in 2014. Critics argued that wearing the extravagant sparkler, valued at an estimated $3 million, came across as tone-deaf and insensitive.
White House
In her latest black-and-white shot, shot one day after her husband was sworn in as president, she’s dressed in a sharp, dark suit with a crisp white shirt, her hair styled in loose waves, and her nails perfectly manicured.
Contrast that with her 2017 portrait, which had a softer, more approachable vibe. That photo was in color, with a soft-focus effect, showing Melania in a black blazer, arms crossed, and offering a gentle smile. The shift between the two portraits couldn’t be more striking — 2025 radiates power and authority, while 2017 leaned into elegance and warmth.
“This time, Melania is out for revenge,” noted one user on X, according to Fox News.
Another chimed in, saying, “Her revenge tour is going to be awesome!”
Another observant Facebook user pointed out something else: “Hillary Clinton wore a pant suit. There was a lot of criticism. I remember. I think we’ve come a long way since then. She looks beautiful and I love the black & white photo, even though, I admit, it’s a little different of a First Lady photo. We are in new times!”
”At least she is wearing clothes…”
As is often the case with political figures, opinions were sharply divided. When the photo was shared on ABC’s Facebook page, the comments section quickly filled with mixed reactions. Many critics felt that Melania’s expression came across as cold and unapproachable, with some complaining that she couldn’t even manage a smile for the occasion. The striking tone of the photo seemed to spark as much controversy as it did admiration.
“It’s as though the photographer told her to look as mean as Donald in his official portrait. What a pair,” one user wrote.
“At least she is wearing clothes, unlike her past pictures!” another noted.
Melania is said to be much more prepared to enter the White House this time, so it makes sense to assume that she will approach things differently.
According to another body language expert, Inbaal Honigman, her behavior was different at this inauguration than in 2017.
“Melania’s body language during the 2025 inauguration is still and neutral,” Inbaal told Covers.com. “She sits still in her model pose, her facial expression neutral, not drawing any attention to herself, letting all attention be on her husband.”
Whether you love it or find it too distant, it’s clear that this photo, like so many moments in her time as First Lady, is bound to leave an impression. What do you think? Does this bold new look represent a shift in how we view the role of the First Lady, or is it just another reflection of the times we’re living in?
Tiger Woods posts an emotional message on social media announcing the death of his mother, Kultida, saying, “My Mom Was Force Of Nature
In a heartfelt social media statement, Tiger Woods revealed that his mother, Kultida Woods, has passed away at the age of 78. She is his “biggest fan” and a “force of nature,” according to the 15-time major champion.
“I want to share with you my deepest sorrow that my beloved mother, Kultida Woods, passed away early this morning,” Tiger wrote in his touching letter. My mother’s spirit was just indisputable; she was a force of nature all her own.
She laughed and used the needle quickly. “She was my biggest supporter and fan, and without her, none of my personal accomplishments would have been possible,” he continued. Her two grandsons, Sam and Charlie, adored her more than anyone else. I appreciate everyone’s prayers, support, and privacy at this trying time for my family and myself. I adore you, Mom.
Kultida, who is originally from Thailand, met Tiger’s father, Earl Woods, in the late 1960s when he was serving with the US military in Bangkok, according to Fox News. After being married in 1969, the pair moved to Brooklyn, New York, and finally settled in Cypress, California, where their only child, Tiger-born Eldrick Woods, was born.
Eldrick was given his parents’ names, K for Kultida and E for Earl. Tiger Phong, his father’s lost companion in Vietnam, inspired the golf champion’s nickname. At the age of 74, Earl passed away in 2006.
During one of the golfer’s darkest moments, Kultida supported her son. In a widely reported news appearance in 2010, he admitted to having several extramarital affairs. Tiger’s mother, who was seated in the front row of the public confession, acknowledged that he had “stopped living by the core values” that his parents had taught him and that his behaviour was unacceptable.
penultimate year, Tiger Woods said on The Tonight Show that his mother was the reason he was able to don the now-famous red and black ensemble that he donned on the penultimate day of golf competitions. Published at 10:45 AM IST on Wednesday, February 5, 2025
A lady moves her car to avoid a garbage bag on the road, then checks it out and feels scared.
You might have experienced this before. Suddenly, you decide to do something a bit different from your usual routine. Maybe you change when you have your coffee or leave work a bit earlier. Even small changes in your daily routine can make a big difference. You might run into an old friend unexpectedly, or find out something upsetting about your partner soon after leaving work.
Sometimes, changes are tiny, and other times, they’re huge. Just like what happened to Malissa Sergent Lewis one summer day when she decided to take a different way to work.
Facebook/Malissa Sergent Lewis
One summer morning in 2016, Malissa Sergent Lewis was running behind schedule for her job at a school in Kentucky.
Malissa decided to take a smaller road instead of the busy highway because she wanted to get to her destination faster.
She’ll always be thankful for making that choice.
Facebook/Malissa Sergent Lewis
That day on the road, there was something unusual: a moving trash bag.
When Malissa saw it, she wondered if it was really moving.
As she got closer, she realized it was indeed moving.
Facebook/Malissa Sergent Lewis
Malissa really wanted to see what was in the bag, so she stopped her car and walked over to it carefully, not sure what she would find inside.
Malissa understood that since the bag was tied, whatever was inside wasn’t there by accident.
She carefully ripped open a corner of the bag to look inside.
Even more surprising was what was inside.
“It was a young dog. He was really happy to see me, too. When I opened the bag and he saw light, he immediately started wagging his tail. I couldn’t believe it,” Malissa told The Dodo.
The puppy was found in the road, inside a trash bag. It seemed like the dog hadn’t been in there for too long, even though even a short time would have been too much for the little guy.
Even though the puppy had a collar, there were no tags on it.
Malissa took the dog to school with her because she couldn’t stand to leave him behind.
Facebook/Malissa Sergent Lewis
Finally, Malissa’s son took the dog back home. Then, both of them took the puppy to the vet for a check-up and shots.
It’s a mystery how the puppy ended up in a bag by the roadside.
Malissa was afraid someone might take or leave the puppy, so she called animal control.
But nobody said the dog belonged to them, and nobody reported losing it.
Luckily, Malissa and her family have adopted the dog, so he’ll have a loving home. Malissa can’t understand why someone would do something so cruel.
Who would hurt an animal like that? Everyone loves puppies. Malissa said to The Dodo, “Putting any animal in a trash bag and leaving it on the road is really cruel.”
To watch a video about the event, click this link:
The ways of the world are strange. Malissa couldn’t understand it.