First lady Melania Trump’s unusual choice of inauguration hat was either an ode to homespun American conservatism or a harbinger of her husband Donald Trump’s imperial ambitions, depending on who you ask.

Melania Trump made a bold statement at the 2025 inauguration with her striking outfit, featuring a distinctive "Carmen Sandiego" style hat that sparked mixed reactions. While some admired her fashion choice,

The returning first lady and Barron Trump, the son she had once shielded from the public eye, used Monday’s inauguration to reintroduce themselves.

Eric Javits, the designer behind the viral hat worn by Melania Trump at the inauguration, told "CBS Mornings" he wasn't sure if the first lady would wear it due to the venue change.

Melania Trump's Inaugural Ball gown may have been a nod to the American Dream. The first lady attended three balls on Monday night after her husband, Donald Trump, was inaugurated as the 47th U.S. president.

Eric Javits also noted how women in the past wore wide-brimmed hats to set boundaries "so no one would try" to kiss them.

As President Donald Trump entered the U.S. Capitol Rotunda to be sworn into office on Monday (January 20), he moved to kiss the cheek of his wife Melania Trump but was blocked by an ever-present, wide-brimmed hat that the First Lady wore throughout the entirety of Inauguration Day.

Exploring how First Lady fashion became political theater, from Jackie O to Melania Trump,revealing gender bias where women's style overshadows policy in public discourse

Jimmy Fallon on Monday mocked Melania Trump’s outfit choice for the second inauguration of her husband, President Donald Trump. Fallon came out to his audience wearing a hat similar to that which was worn by the first lady.