Melania Trump, alongside her husband, President Donald Trump, stepped onto the red carpet amid a storm of mixed reactions, dressed in striking black Bottega Veneta at the opening night of Les Misérables at the Kennedy Center in Washington, D.C.
The evening marked the president’s first public visit to the venue since naming himself chairman earlier this year and launching initiatives to restore the historic center. It was also one of Melania’s first high-profile appearances since returning to the White House.
Outside the venue, many voiced mixed reactions as the Trumps and Vice President J.D. Vance with his wife Usha Vance arrived. The First Lady wore a black sleeveless Bottega Veneta gown featuring a high boat neckline and a gold fastening at the collar, part of the Italian label’s current collection.
Her look was completed with silver stilettos, specifically the 12cm Eklectica model by Christian Louboutin, now discontinued. Meanwhile, Second Lady Usha Vance mirrored the color palette in a dark navy strapless dress by Shoshanna with silver detailing across the bodice and skirt, paired with classic black pumps.
Despite the public's reactions, Melania maintained composure on the carpet, posing hand in hand with her husband, she smiled at the photographers and entered the show.
Adding fuel to the frenzy, it was revealed that several original cast members of Les Misérables chose to boycott the performance in protest of the administration. “I couldn’t care less,” President Trump told the press. “Honestly, I couldn’t. All I do is run the country well.”
Also in attendance were Cheryl Hines and Robert F. Kennedy Jr. Hines wore a black strapless gown with a feathered hem and black-and-silver clutch, while Kennedy Jr. and the other men opted for classic tuxedos.
Another highlight of the evening was shared online before the performance, when a small group of drag performers arrived in colorful pastel outfits, drawing attention to the administration’s controversial stances on LGBTQ+ rights and funding for the arts.