Melania Trump is facing fresh criticism over her state dinner style, with some royal watchers calling her pink gown too revealing for the occasion.
On Tuesday, April 28, President Donald Trump and First Lady Melania Trump welcomed King Charles III and Queen Camilla to the White House for a formal state dinner. It marked the first white-tie event at the White House since President George W. Bush hosted Queen Elizabeth II in 2007.
The evening was steeped in royal ceremony. A military color guard led Charles, Camilla, Trump and Melania to the base of the Grand Staircase for photos. The setting was formal, traditional and heavily watched.
Then Melania walked out in a soft pink silk Christian Dior Haute Couture gown, and the internet had plenty to say.
Critics Said The Gown Was Too Revealing
Melania paired the gown with off-white Dior suede gloves and pale Dior silk pumps. The First Lady is known for carefully planning state visit looks, but some viewers argued this one missed the expected royal tone.
For women at traditional white-tie state banquets, a full-length gown is standard. Covered shoulders and a more conservative look are often expected, especially when British royal protocol is part of the evening.
That is why Melania’s gown drew criticism.
One person wrote, “I love Melania. She is stunning. But that dress looks like the inaugural gown in all white instead of black and white.”
Another added, “Can’t say I love that dress Melania is wearing. I don’t understand the structure of it, normally I love her choices.”
A third said, “Melania is gorgeous, but this pink dress is odd.”
Camilla Also Wore Pink
The color itself was not the only issue, since Queen Camilla also wore a bright pink gown. Still, some critics focused more on the cut of Melania’s dress than the shade. Traditional royal state banquet style often leans toward white or formal covered gowns. Queen Elizabeth II frequently wore white at state banquets, and many female guests followed that tone.
Former royal butler Grant Harrold has previously said, “White is a very traditional color for the state banquets.” Melania and Ivanka Trump both wore white during the 2019 state banquet at Buckingham Palace. Michelle Obama also wore white to a state banquet in 2011. This time, Melania’s pink look stood out.
Her State Visit Fashion Was Already Under Fire
This was not the first outfit from the visit to draw comments.
Earlier Tuesday, Melania wore a white silk and wool Ralph Lauren Collection jacket and skirt with Manolo Blahnik snake pumps and a straw hat by Eric Javits. Some viewers mocked the hat online.
One person wrote, “Melania looks like a floor lamp with that hat.”
Another asked, “Who in the world dresses Melania?”
The latest criticism also follows last year’s Windsor Castle state banquet, when Melania wore a bold yellow Carolina Herrera gown with a pink belt. That off-the-shoulder look also drew comments from people who thought it showed too much skin for the setting.
Trump Also Faced Protocol Criticism
Melania was not the only one accused of breaking royal protocol during the visit.
Trump also drew backlash after a video showed him greeting Charles with what some viewers described as an aggressive handshake. Others criticized him for touching Queen Camilla’s arm.
One viewer wrote, “I do not think you are supposed to touch a King or Queen, but, of course, Trump loves breaking protocol.” Another said, “Forget etiquette, Donald has never heard of the word, nor has he heard of respect.”
For the Trumps, the royal visit has brought all the expected pomp. It has also brought the usual online inspection of every handshake, dress, hat, and gesture.
