The official portrait of the First Lady of the United States, Melania Trump, was captured by the esteemed Belgian photographer Régine Mahaux.
On 21 January, just a day after her husband Donald Trump (78) was inaugurated the 47th President of the United States, Melania (54) made her way to the Yellow Oval Room of the White House to be photographed by Mahaux.
"Working with Melania is always a creative adventure and a real pleasure," Mahaux told VRT. "She is also very involved in the whole process, which pays off," she added.
The image has garnered international media attention since its release earlier this week. In black and white, Melania Trump is pictured looking straight into the camera, with a powerful look. She is wearing a tailored business suit and minimalistic make-up.
Official Portrait of the First Lady Melania Trump in 2025. Credit: Régine Mahaux / The White House
The portrait is a significant departure from the First Lady's official portrait in 2017, also taken by the Belgian photographer. The image taken during Trump's first administration showed Melania in full colours, with her arms casually crossed and a rosy parted smile.
First Lady Melania Trump in 2017. Credit: Régine Mahaux / The White House
While based in Paris, Mahaux is a Belgian-born photographer and film director. Her portfolio of portraits feature high profile personalities, including actor Robert de Niro, the Royals of Monaco, tennis player Roger Federer, and the Trump family.
Mahaux's work has been displayed throughout the world, from the National Museum of American History in Washington DC to Bozar in Brussels.
