Vogue magazine’s harsh takedown of the newly released White House portrait of first lady Melania Trump is drawing demands that the fashion bible apologize for its “hatchet job.”
On Friday, Staten Island Borough President Vito Fossella added his voice to the criticism of the magazine, edited by Anna Wintour who adored the Trumps before their arrival at the White House.
“Ridiculing the first lady’s appearance demonstrates that there seems to be no boundaries or sense of decency anymore. Unjustified criticisms like these should not only be out-of-fashion — but out-of-vogue,” said Fossella.
Melania Trump opted for a tuxedo for her black-and-white boardroom pastiche. https://t.co/4Gr8n5LvN2
— Vogue Magazine (@voguemagazine) January 28, 2025
Vogue’s review dismissed the first lady’s portrait in which she appears in black and white, dressed in a tuxedo, her blouse open, and standing in a South Lawn window with the Washington Monument behind her.
“The choice to wear a tuxedo — as opposed to a blazer or blouse — made Trump look more like a freelance magician than a public servant. It’s perhaps unsurprising that a woman who lived in a gold-encrusted penthouse, whose fame is so intertwined with a reality-television empire, would refuse to abandon theatrics — even when faced with 248 years of tradition,” said the magazine.
Fossella fired back. “Trump is a humble individual dedicated to doing good on behalf of the American people. And still publications like Vogue find room for cheap shots and personal attacks. There is a clear double-standard, as other first ladies have not been treated this way. It seems they only hold women in high regard, when they agree with them, politically,” he added before calling for a “public apology.”
Unlike other first ladies, Trump has a background as a high fashion model. But during the first term, fashion magazines dissed her. Vogue was the rudest, never putting her on the cover. Last August, it featured former first lady Jill Biden on the cover.
Last night we attended a sold out event at Mar a Lago raising well in excess of $1 million for @LogCabinGOP. Our great former and future First Lady Melania Trump was our featured guest of honor. Mrs. @MELANIATRUMP joined our dear friend former acting DNI/Ambassador @RicGrenell to… pic.twitter.com/6ZRUrLciRT
— Bill White (@BillWhiteUSA) April 21, 2024
Others have strongly approved of Trump’s second-term fashion choices, notably the hat she wore at the inauguration and her inaugural ball gown.
Bill White, a friend of the Trumps and the president’s pick for U.S. ambassador to Belgium, told Secrets that he believes Melania Trump will establish a new model for first ladies in her second stint in the East Wing.
“I am convinced that Melania Trump will usher in an era of distinction as first lady,” he said.
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“She is very experienced since being first lady previously. And unlike the last time, when the usual characters like Anna Wintour can only throw darts versus being magnanimous like President Trump is, our GREAT first lady will shine SO brightly with all her critically important initiatives. The vast majority of the American people have spoken and they want what Melania Trump will bring to this extraordinary and prestigious position. We can’t wait for the great things ahead of us with our beloved president and first lady,” White added.
Trump enters the White House with a higher approval rating that her husband, which the president seems good with.
