Melania Trump’s New Official Portrait Sparks “Apprentice” Comparisons
Melania Trump’s newly released official portrait, taken by Belgian photographer Regine Mahaux in the White House’s Yellow Oval Room, has ignited a wave of online commentary. While the black-and-white photograph portrays the former First Lady in a sharp, tailored business suit, exuding an air of authority and elegance, many social media users are finding the image strikingly familiar.
The portrait, released on January 21st, 2025, just a day after Donald Trump’s inauguration for a second term, shows Melania in a pose some critics describe as calculated and characteristic of the Trump family’s image. This contrasts with the softer style she presented during her first term. Mahaux, who previously photographed Melania’s first official portrait in 2017, as well as various family events, has developed a signature polished and meticulously lit style frequently associated with the Trump brand.
The prevalent online reaction focuses on the portrait’s strong resemblance to promotional shots for Donald Trump’s reality TV show, *The Apprentice*. Numerous users have jokingly compared the image to a season premiere poster, imagining Melania about to deliver a signature “You’re fired!” line. Other comments suggest she looks poised to announce “Trump Airlines” or that she’s actually the show’s executive producer, playfully referencing the show’s elimination format.
The comparison is further fueled by the recent release of Donald Trump’s own official portrait, which also generated significant buzz, albeit for different reasons. His stern expression prompted comparisons to his police mugshot.
The Trumps’ continued embrace of theatrical presentation, whether through fashion choices or photographic styles, is evident in this latest release. The online response, filled with comments such as “When do auditions open for *The Apprentice: Presidential Edition*?”, demonstrates that the photograph’s impact will likely linger. The portrait’s resemblance to *The Apprentice* branding has become a dominant theme in the online conversation, solidifying its status as a memorable and widely discussed image.