Missed Kiss: Donald and Melania Trump’s Awkward Moment at Inauguration
Donald Trump and Melania Trump were caught in an awkward moment that quickly went viral at his presidential inauguration on Jan. 20. Just before taking the oath of office inside the US Capitol, the 47th president leaned in to kiss his wife’s cheek. However, Melania was wearing a navy wide-brimmed hat designed by Eric Javits, which obstructed the kiss. The couple settled for an air-kiss, and Trump then sat down next to Vice President JD Vance.
During the ceremony, Melania, 54, sat beside her son Barron Trump as her husband was officially sworn in as president. Trump managed to give Melania a kiss on the cheek after the oath, this time successfully, as all five of his children embraced him.
Melania had chosen to wear a navy Adam Lippes tailored silk wool coat, pencil skirt, and an ivory silk crepe blouse, all designed by Lippes and handsewn in New York City. She completed her outfit with a large hat and black leather gloves.
The significance of Melania wearing a hat to the inauguration was discussed by fashion studies assistant professor Emma McClendon, highlighting its traditional and old-world charm. The last first lady to wear a hat at an inauguration before Melania was Nancy Reagan in 1985.
Aside from the Trump family, other political figures present at the ceremony included Joe Biden and Dr. Jill Biden, Vice President Kamala Harris and Douglas Emhoff, former presidents Barack Obama, Bill Clinton, and George W. Bush, as well as former first ladies Laura Bush and Hillary Clinton.
During his inauguration speech, Trump declared the day as a “liberation day” in America and promised a “revolution of common sense” at the start of his second term as the 47th president of the United States.
In a passionate address to a crowd of 600 individuals gathered in the rotunda, the former president vowed to put an end to what he described as the “vicious, violent, and unfair weaponization” of the Justice Department and the government. Just one week before his successor’s inauguration, former First Lady Melania Trump disclosed to Fox News her plans for her upcoming role. She shared her intentions to split her time primarily between the White House and locations in New York and Palm Beach, emphasizing her dedication to being a mother, first lady, and wife.
Prior to the presidential inauguration, the Trumps were seen attending a church service in Washington, D.C., marking a solemn moment before the transfer of power. The imagery of the couple stepping into the place of worship captured by Getty Images encapsulated the gravity of the transition. Melania’s commitment to her family and responsibilities was evident as she outlined her priorities in the coming years.
Following their departure from the White House in 2021, the Trumps resettled in Palm Beach, Florida, where they have since established their residence. Their son Barron, aged 18, has embarked on his academic journey at NYU’s Stern School of Business, residing in the iconic Trump Tower located in the heart of Midtown Manhattan.
As the Trump family navigates this new chapter, their movements and decisions continue to capture the attention of the public eye. Melania’s determination to balance her roles as a mother, first lady, and wife reflects her unwavering commitment to her family and the responsibilities that come with their prominent status.
In the midst of shifting dynamics and evolving landscapes, the Trump family’s presence remains notable, with each member carving out their path in the world beyond the political stage. The upcoming years are poised to witness the unfolding of new chapters for the family as they navigate the complexities of life post-White House.
