Melania Trump has made a rare public appearance for husband Donald’s inauguration today (Monday, January 20) – and has made a ‘bid for privacy’ at the historic ceremony, according to an expert.

Trump is soon to be sworn in for a second term as President at the Capital Rotunda in Washington DC. Attendees include global leaders, former presidents, and prominent tech moguls such as Mark Zuckerberg, Jeff Bezos, Elon Musk, and Apple CEO Tim Cook.

But among the famous faces at today’s ceremony, it is the incoming First Lady who has got people talking thanks to a rather daring fashion choice. Melania was seen sporting a black wide-brim hat, covering the upper half of her face – a look that has got people talking on social media.

“Why the hell does Melania Trump look like the Hamburgler?” one person asked on X, while another added: “Raise your hand if you think Melania Trump looks absolutely stunning for inauguration today.”

“I am speechless. Melania looks impeccable,” said a third.

While the bold look may be eye-catching, a fashion expert believes Melania’s choice of outfit might actually be a bid to protect her privacy. Course Leader for MBA Fashion Entrepreneurship at the University of East London Alison Lowe, MBE, told Irish Star: “Melania Trump chose to wear a statement hat for today’s inauguration which stylishly matched her monochromatic style of dress.

“It added a sophisticated element to her attire, which served as both a focal point, subtly drawing attention but also partially obscured her face which could be interpreted in two ways.

“It could be that it offered privacy to mask her expressions which are always closely observed and commented on-often in a derogatory way.”

Lowe also said the hat may have been chosen to ensure attention remains on her husband and she doesn’t steal his limelight. “It could also have been selected to ensure that the focus was on Donald Trump, with Melania respectfully playing an elegant, but secondary role to her husband,” she ensured.

“The chosen hat therefore blended an attention grabbing style whilst presenting a reserved demeanour.”

It comes after a body language expert claimed Melania ‘didn’t want to be First Lady’ following her husband’s historic victory. Darren Stanton previously told The Express the Slovenian-born former model wanted to maintain a low profile after her husband’s election win.

Speaking on behalf of Slingo, Stanton said: “Melania is a strange fish. She has always looked as though she didn’t want to be First Lady, and it is clear from this that she doesn’t want to be First Lady again. You would think she would be standing beside him or to the side of him, doing something with her hands supporting him.

“She should be facing him at an angle but she is facing her body towards the media instead. Her hands are to her side, she is not showing anything. Her facial expressions are very stoic, there is no smiling, happiness, joy or support. She is not standing close to him, not got a hand on his arm. It is very odd.”