First Lady Melania Trump may not always seek the spotlight — but her fashion ensures she gets it.
And when she stepped out on Monday to welcome the White House Christmas tree, it wasn’t the evergreen that stole the show.
The North Portico of the White House was steeped in holiday pageantry on November 24, 2025, but the towering 18.5-foot Christmas tree arriving by horse-drawn carriage wasn’t what stopped people in their tracks.
It was Melania Trump.
The First Lady stepped out in Washington, D.C., to accept the official White House Christmas tree and kick off the season’s traditions. But what should have been a charming, heartwarming photo op quickly morphed into a full-blown online spectacle — all because of her outfit.
Also known as the Blue Room Christmas Tree, the massive Michigan-grown fir from Korson’s Tree Farms rolled up to the mansion in classic style: two majestic Clydesdales, Logan and Ben, pulled the carriage while a military band played festive tunes. Three handlers in vintage suits and top hats completed the nostalgic scene.
The tradition of presenting the White House Christmas tree dates back to the 19th century, though accounts differ on the exact year it began.
Since 1961, the tree has carried a themed motif each holiday season, chosen by the First Lady of the United States.
And as Melania stood on the North Portico steps, cool and composed as ever, praising the delivery as “a beautiful tree,” social media had already zoomed in, not on the tree, but on her winter look.
The coat that launched a thousand comments
The First Lady wore a crisp winter-white Dior coat, bright red leather gloves, and tartan Manolo Blahnik heels, a bold, high-fashion mix of holiday colors. And the internet had thoughts. Lots of them.
“She wore her pajama robe,” one user sniped.
Another quipped, “White bathrobe and red rubber gloves.”
“Bathrobe?” one person asked, with another joking, “It looks like she’s auditioning to be the angel on top of the tree…”
Someone else summed it up bluntly: “She’s literally wearing a bathrobe.”
Another harsh remark read: “She got new shoes from Piggy.”
But plenty of admirers jumped to her defense.
“Melania is rockin [sic] her plaid stilettos ♥️,” a supporter wrote.
Another added, “She has the best shoes. Every.Time [sic].”
A third asked, “Could FLOTUS be any more glamorous! Simply gorgeous!”
Others praised her whole presence:
“She is beautiful and sophisticated. Poise and gracefulness,” one fan said. And another declared, “Elegance is back in the White House.”
