The North Portico was filled with holiday tradition on November 24, 2025, but despite the arrival of the towering 18.5-foot fir tree delivered by horse-drawn carriage, the public’s attention quickly shifted to someone else entirely: First Lady Melania Trump.

Welcoming the official White House Christmas tree, Trump stood at the center of the festive scene as the Michigan-grown fir from Korson’s Tree Farms was escorted by a military band and transported by two Clydesdale horses, Logan and Ben, with handlers dressed in vintage suits and top hats.

While Trump praised the tree as “a beautiful tree,” online conversation swiftly pivoted away from the holiday ritual and toward her dramatic fashion choice.

The Outfit That Sparked an Internet Frenzy

Instead of blending into the wintry backdrop, Trump chose a striking ensemble: a winter-white Dior coat, vivid red leather gloves, and tartan Manolo Blahnik stilettos. The bold look immediately divided viewers.

Critics mocked the outfit, with comments ranging from “She wore her pajama robe” to “White bathrobe and red rubber gloves.” Others insisted she looked as if she were “literally wearing a bathrobe.”

But loyal supporters countered with praise. One admirer wrote, “Melania is rockin her plaid stilettos ♥️,” while another declared, “Elegance is back in the White House.”

Some viewers went beyond the fashion debate to compliment her overall poise, calling her “beautiful and sophisticated” with “gracefulness.”

A New Hair Transformation Draws Praise

Her wardrobe wasn’t the only thing causing a stir. Trump also debuted a noticeably brighter hair color that quickly earned approval from beauty experts.

Suzie McGill, artistic director at Rainbow Room International, told Hello! that the lighter shade was a “polished upgrade” that illuminated her complexion without ever appearing excessive. She noted that the new color brought a modern, vibrant touch while staying consistent with her signature elegance.

Kirsty Judge from the Rush Artistic Team described Trump’s hue as “cinnamon blonde,” explaining it features a warm acorn base with fine “vanilla blonde pieces” woven through for brightness—a subtly luxurious look for the holiday season.

Shadows From Past Christmas Controversies

Despite the glamorous presentation, the moment also revived memories of the controversial secretly recorded tapes released in 2020, which captured Trump venting about public expectations during her husband’s first term.

“I’m working… my [expletive] off on the Christmas stuff… who gives a [expletive] about the Christmas stuff and decorations? But I need to do it, right?” she was heard saying in the recordings played on Anderson Cooper 360.

In those conversations, she also expressed frustration about the criticism surrounding the administration’s family separation policies, suggesting previous administrations faced less backlash.

A Friendship Turned Public Fallout

Those tapes had been recorded by Stephanie Winston Wolkoff, once one of Trump’s closest friends and a key figure in her early White House years. The fallout was swift. Former chief of staff Stephanie Grisham condemned Wolkoff’s actions, saying:

“Secretly taping the First Lady and willfully breaking an NDA… is a clear attempt at relevance.”

Wolkoff’s subsequent book, Melania and Me, deepened the rupture, revealing years of private conversations about Trump’s marriage, public image, and even comparisons to Michelle Obama. The friendship ultimately collapsed amid scrutiny over the extravagant spending for the 2017 inauguration, during which Wolkoff’s firm received millions for event services.