While President Donald Trump typically takes center stage at major White House events, it was Melania Trump who caught many eyes during Thursday’s annual congressional picnic held on the South Lawn.
The First Lady stunned guests and cameras alike with her fresh blonde highlights, giving her look a bright new glow that sparked plenty of buzz online and in person.
Stylish Simplicity with a Floral Twist
Melania kept her outfit classy yet eye-catching, pairing a crisp white button-up blouse with vibrant floral pants.
To top off the ensemble, she chose bright pink heels that added a playful splash of color.
Fans quickly took to social media to praise her glowing appearance, with many highlighting how elegant and fresh she looked compared to previous appearances.
Donald Trump Praises Melania and Her Legislative Work
Though the focus of the event was President Trump’s remarks, he made sure to lavish praise on his wife.
Trump complimented Melania’s efforts behind the scenes, particularly her work on the bipartisan “Take It Down Act,” a law that criminalizes the non-consensual posting of real or AI-generated sexual images online.
He even joked that her political success might mean she could someday take over his job.
Melania’s Advocacy on Technology and Youth
In recent speeches advocating for the bill, Melania warned about the dangers of digital technologies and social media, describing them as “digital candy” — sweet but addictive, with potential negative effects on young people’s cognitive development and emotions.
Her emphasis on protecting children from harmful online content has become a key part of her public role.
Controversy Surrounds Senator Rand Paul’s Invitation
The picnic wasn’t without drama. Senator Rand Paul made headlines by claiming he had been disinvited from the event due to his opposition to the so-called “Big Beautiful Bill,” a tax cut proposal still under debate.
Paul accused the White House of excluding him as a petty political move and running a “paid influencer campaign” against him on social media.
Trump Clears Up the Invitation Confusion
However, President Trump contradicted those claims, confirming on his Truth Social platform that Paul and his family were indeed invited.
Trump praised Paul as a tough Senate vote but expressed optimism about winning him over on the bill.
Ultimately, Senator Paul attended the picnic alongside his wife, Kelley Paul.
Melania’s Recent Public Appearances With the President
This picnic marked Melania’s second public outing with the President in just a few days.
The day before, she attended a performance of Les Misérables at the Kennedy Center, a venue President Trump had recently revamped by replacing the entire board shortly after beginning his second term.
Trump Addresses Immigration Protests and ICE Support
Amid the festivities, President Trump took to social media to address ongoing protests against ICE raids, particularly in Los Angeles.
He demanded that all illegal migrants leave the country immediately, doubling down on his support for ICE officers who have faced threats amid the unrest.
Federal and State Clashes Over National Guard Control
The LA protests have led to curfews and the deployment of thousands of National Guard troops and Marines to restore order.
Trump took the unusual step of seizing control of California’s National Guard to manage the situation, but a federal judge ruled this move illegal and ordered the Guard’s control returned to Governor Gavin Newsom.
Newsom slammed Trump’s actions as authoritarian and harmful to democracy.
Legal Battle Continues Over Guard Deployment
The Trump administration has appealed the judge’s ruling, arguing that the decision endangers federal officials.
The legal fight is ongoing as tensions between the White House and California’s governor remain high, highlighting the deep political divisions over immigration enforcement and state-federal authority.