Melania Trump maintained a low profile during the initial months of Donald Trump’s second term, but recently, she has been making more public appearances.
At the latest White House Picnic, it wasn’t Trump who captured everyone’s attention — it was the First Lady.
With summer approaching, First Lady Melania Trump re-entered the limelight on June 12 — turning heads as she joined the crowds for the 2025 Congressional Picnic. The famously private spouse of President Trump surprised many with her presence, marking one of her few outings this year.
The 55-year-old former model made a rare appearance on the South Lawn for the annual event and was quickly praised by her husband, who addressed the crowd:
“I want to thank our magnificent First Lady for organizing this wonderful evening.”
Known for her reserved nature and strong protection of her son Barron’s privacy, Melania was spotted smiling in a crisp white blouse and striking floral slacks as she interacted with attendees.

As reported by USA Today, Melania welcomed guests at the event dressed in floral cotton jacquard pants by Dolce & Gabbana paired with pink suede pumps from Manolo Blahnik — a stylish summer outfit that certainly caught attention.
Later that same day, she was seen engaging in conversation with attendees — and the photos quickly circulated online, igniting a lively debate on social media.
Many users praised her vibrant look, with one commenting: “Melania is 100% Class! Trump and Melania are the ideal couple that all lovebirds should aspire to.” Another remarked, “Tonight might have been the best I’ve seen Melania look. Her hair was perfect. [Her] dress was simple yet elegant. Always smiling. 10/10.”
However, not everyone shared the same sentiment.
The question “Is That Bruce Jenner?” began trending shortly after the event images were posted. Critics took to social media, with some claiming Melania’s new style bore a striking resemblance to Caitlyn Jenner, formerly known as Bruce. “At first glance, I thought I saw Caitlyn Jenner…” one Facebook user noted.
This isn’t the first time that comparisons have made the news.
An Instagram account brought back old images of Caitlyn after her transition, paired with photos of Melania, which led to comments such as, “Melania and Bruce Jenner look surprisingly similar,” and, “They DO look alike. How strange. I’ve always thought Melania appears….husky. Not soft or feminine, and definitely not sweet. She has a masculine quality, and their facial structures are alike. It’s true.”
On the other hand, many strongly disagreed with that assertion. One individual responded directly, “Melania looks NOTHING like Bruce Jenner!” while another simply remarked, “Oh p*ss off.”
As for the president, he continued to praise her — not only for her appearance but also for her recent legislative efforts.
During his address, Trump acknowledged her role in the Take It Down Act, a bill aimed at eliminating nonconsensual explicit content online: “I want to thank you Melania and thank you everyone out there. When I saw that bill pass with bipartisan support, I thought, ‘You know, I think you’re going to take my job.’”
Melania Trump’s fashion choices are constantly scrutinized — igniting endless discussions online, with many suggesting her wardrobe conveys subtle messages about her true emotions. As Women’s Wear Daily pointed out, her style underwent a significant transformation after she became First Lady — transitioning from high-glamour outfits fit for the runway to more modest and conservative attire.
After 2016, she was often spotted in designs by Ralph Lauren, Valentino, and Burberry.
During Trump’s 2024 campaign trail, she opted for brands like Michael Kors and Dior — yet her fashion still sparks mixed reactions.
Although Melania Trump has a talent for blending high-end elegance with the occasional affordable piece, her outfit at the swearing-in ceremony earlier this year surprised many. Sporting a chic black dress complemented by a now-famous wide-brim hat, this look marked a stark contrast to the soft, Jackie Kennedy-inspired powder blue outfit she donned at Donald Trump’s first inauguration in 2017.

Gwendolyn DuBois Shaw, the chair of the History of Art Department at the University of Pennsylvania, examined the image and remarked:
“[Melania] has placed herself confidently behind that highly reflective table, creating a slight barrier between herself and the observer.”
Another viewer shared a comparable observation: “I suspect she lacks a gentle side. If she possesses one, she never reveals it. It would be lovely if she did.