Donald and Melania Trump shared a brief, awkward moment during President Donald Trump’s inauguration on Monday, January 20, that quickly became a viral sensation. Before taking the oath of office at the U.S. Capitol, Trump leaned in to kiss his wife on the cheek, only to be thwarted by her wide-brimmed navy hat, designed by Eric Javits.
As Trump approached Melania during the swearing-in ceremony, he attempted to greet her with a kiss on the cheek but stopped just inches away. The brim of her hat bumped into his forehead, forcing the couple to settle for an air kiss before Trump took his seat next to Vice President JD Vance.
Melania, 54, sat beside their son Barron as her husband was officially sworn in as the 47th president of the United States. Following the ceremony, Trump successfully kissed Melania on the cheek while all five of his children gathered to embrace him.
For the occasion, Melania wore a navy Adam Lippes tailored silk wool coat, a matching pencil skirt, and an ivory silk crepe blouse, all handsewn in New York City. She completed her outfit with the wide-brimmed hat that sparked the viral moment and a pair of black leather gloves.
“The tradition of the presidential inauguration embodies the beauty of American democracy, and today we had the honor to dress our first lady, Mrs. Melania Trump,” designer Adam Lippes told The New York Post. “Mrs. Trump’s outfit was created by some of America’s finest craftsmen, and I take great pride in showing such work to the world.”
Melania’s choice to wear a hat at the inauguration was noteworthy, as it marked the first time a first lady had done so since Nancy Reagan in 1985. Emma McClendon, an assistant professor of fashion studies at St. John’s University, highlighted the significance of the accessory.
“There is something, again, very old world, traditional in the use of a hat,” McClendon explained to The Post. “There’s been a return of interest to some of these elements that have maybe faded out of the everyday wardrobe for most people. This is something that’s not happening in a vacuum.”
The moment, lighthearted and unintentional, added a human touch to the otherwise formal proceedings, sparking conversation online about fashion, tradition, and the couple’s public dynamic.