First Lady Melania Trump’s outfit for the 2025 presidential inauguration ceremony, a stark black and navy ensemble, quickly became a topic of discussion across social platforms. The attire was likened to various characters from pop culture by critics.

Trump’s choice of outfit, a dark navy blue and ivory silk wool ensemble designed by Adam Lippes, was a departure from traditional inaugural attire. The outfit featured a double-breasted blazer and a matching pencil skirt, which Lippes described as representing the work of “America’s finest craftsmen”. However, users on social media offered less complimentary interpretations.

Adding to the ensemble was a wide-brimmed navy blue hat with a white ribbon by milliner Eric Javits. The hat’s design, which partially obscured Trump’s face, was seen by many as an overly dramatic component of the outfit. Some commentators suggested the hat could reignite existing conspiracy theories about a “fake Melania”.

Various comments on social media likened Trump’s look to recognizable figures from pop culture. One critic drew parallels to “Michael Jackson at a funeral,” while others referenced anime characters and the animated television character “Darkwing Duck.”

The inauguration ceremony, moved to the U.S. Capitol Rotunda due to cold weather in Washington D.C., marked a historic moment as Donald Trump returned for a non-consecutive term as president, the first since Grover Cleveland. While the event featured performances by Carrie Underwood, Christopher Macchio, and Lee Greenwood, it was Trump’s outfit that held social media’s attention.

Some viewers made comparisons to the McDonald’s character, Hamburglar, and others pointed out similarities with “Carmen Sandiego,” “Zorro,” and the horror film character “the Babadook”.

Trump’s 2025 outfit was a notable contrast to her 2017 inauguration attire – a light blue cashmere dress and cropped jacket by Ralph Lauren. The 2025 dress by Lippes, designed to convey “timeless sophistication,” prompted speculation about whether she was “in mourning”.

This is not the first time Trump’s attire has drawn comparisons with Michael Jackson. Similar remarks were made during her 2018 visit to the Great Sphinx in Giza, Egypt.

Despite the intended elegance of the outfit, as described by Lippes, the dark colors and stern styling led to widespread commentary and mockery. The ensemble marked another departure by Trump from traditional inaugural fashion.

Trump’s recent fashion choices have consistently drawn criticism, such as her black and white Valentino dress worn at Jimmy Carter’s funeral, which critics compared to “nun’s attire.” With her latest inauguration outfit, she continues to prioritize dramatic styles over traditional diplomatic attire.

Completing the outfit with matching navy gloves, social media users characterized the outfit as a “full villain ensemble,” further enhancing the dramatic effect of the outfit.