The White House just released first lady Melania Trump's official portrait, and it's certainly...something.
"I am honored to serve in the role of First Lady, and look forward to working on behalf of the American people over the coming years," she said in a statement along with the photograph, which is serving "mall portrait studio" vibes. The statement also notes it's "taken in her new residence at the White House." It only took three months!
The portrait strikes a very different tone from former First Lady Michelle Obama's first official portrait. Obama was famously the first first lady to bare her arms, which led to some "outrage" over her perceived informality. But that sort of effortless elegance is what Michelle Obama was likely trying to convey. Smiling and sleeveless, she exudes friendliness. You feel like you can talk to her.
Melania, on the other hand, is almost the opposite. Her arms are folded and she's dressed rather like a flight attendant. Instead of a smile she's giving her best Blue Steel. She is there to be looked at, but she is as inaccessible as her massive diamond. While Michelle's says "come hang out," Melania's says "please cast me in Real Housewives when all of this is over."
She should have just gone with the lasers.
