33 photos show how Melania Trump has evolved as first lady
Despite being pregnant with her third child, Ivanka initially took the lead as a more vocal figure on the campaign trail while Melania, a self-described "full-time mom" took care of the Trumps' 10-year-old son.
Both were formally included in election festivities in accord with presidential tradition.
Source: Vanity Fair
Melania made headlines then for her classic wardrobe choice, which prompted many comparisons to former first lady Jackie Kennedy.
Source: Town & Country
Melania took center stage at the glamorous inauguration ball.
Melania carried out her first official engagement with Donald when they hosted the Japanese first couple at Trump's Mar-a-Lago resort in Florida.
She was also notably pictured at his side with female lawmakers in the Oval Office when he signed a bill to promote women's education and career opportunities in science, technology, engineering, and math.
Though the first lady was present for the bill's signing, it was Trump's daughter and adviser Ivanka who appeared to spearhead the initiative, reportedly telling press ahead of the ceremony she believed it is "vital" that young "students become fluent in coding and computer science."
Ivanka and Melania were side-by-side for the Trump administration's visit to the Vatican in May 2017.
Source: USA Today
In June 2017, Melania finally moved to the White House, and Ivanka focused on her role as White House adviser.
A few weeks after she arrived in Washington, Melania accompanied the president to Europe, where they had a press-heavy Bastille Day celebration with French President Emmanuel and first lady Brigitte Macron.
Source: Business Insider
In August 2017, Melania accompanied the president to the site of Hurricane Harvey. On the way, Melania drew widespread criticism for looking out of touch after she was pictured boarding a plane in heels.
Source: Vanity Fair
Following the lead of previous first ladies, Melania has hosted several public events at the White House. She made headlines when she continued former first lady Michelle Obama's tradition of hosting student groups for gardening on the White House's South Lawn.
Source: Business Insider
To celebrate Halloween, the Trumps got in the spirit as they handed out candy to children and military families who visited in costume on the South Lawn.
Source: Business Insider
She marveled at the White House staff's handiwork in decorating for her first Washington Christmas.
Source: Business Insider
She even hosted a group of children to construct wreaths in honor of the holiday.
Source: Business Insider
The first couple then left Washington for their glamorous New Year's Eve at Trump's private club, a tradition that pre-dated their time in Washington.
Source: Business Insider
But she made a stunning return to Washington for the president's first State of the Union, sporting a suit many pointed out shared the #MeToo movement' signature color.
White clothing has also been associated with women's suffrage.
Source: Business Insider
Melania has also taken center stage in hosting the Easter Egg Roll, which is customary for first ladies.
Source: Business Insider
Melania was pictured alongside the last four presidents after former first lady Barbara Bush's April funeral, which she attended alone.
Source: Business Insider
Melania and her staff planned the details for the Trump administration's first state visit, for which they hosted the French first couple.
Source: Business Insider
Melania was by the president's side for state visit activities, and was described by French first lady Brigitte Macron as "really fun."
Source: Business Insider
For Melania's April 26 birthday in 2018, the president told Fox News he got her "a beautiful card and beautiful flowers".
Source: Business Insider
Melania came into her own as an active part of the White House when she announced her own campaign focused on childhood well-being.
Source: Business Insider
After an unannounced surgery in May, Melania disappeared for several weeks and sparked concern, speculation, and conspiracy theories, all of which she and her spokesperson denied.
Source: Business Insider
Melania then came into the crosshairs of the Trump administration's controversial policy of separating families at the US-Mexico border after she sparked criticism and confusion when she wore this jacket while in transit to a Texas immigration detention center.
Source: Business Insider
The jacket inspired similar versions at protests against the Trump administration's immigration policies.
Source: Business Insider
After the jacket incident, Melania took a second trip to the border, which the president said she returned from "really saddened by the plight of the people" at the border.
Source: New York Post
She renewed her commitment to promoting childhood wellness by announcing a trip to Africa, as has been traditional with many first ladies before her.
Source: Business Insider
As the 2018 holiday season came about, Melania plunged into her second year of White House decorating duties.
Source: Business Insider
At Trump's 2019 State of the Union, Melania found herself back in the political spotlight after turning up in black for the speech, sharply contrasting female Democrats who wore white to honor suffragists.
Source: The Washington Post
The first lady showed off her softer side for her second annual solo visit with sick children for Valentine's Day.
Source: Business Insider
The first lady's outfit choice didn't disappoint for her first welcoming ceremony by the Queen at Buckingham Palace.
Source: US Magazine
While presiding over the all-American July 4 celebration that included military tanks, Melania raised eyebrows when she wore a rainbow dress and shoes instead of the expected red, white, and blue.
Source: The New York Times
When she visited a field of American flags that represented orphaned children, many of whom lost their parents to the opioid crisis, the first lady added a touching personal side to her patriotic duties.
Source: The Herald-Dispatch
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