Donald Trump and Melania shared an awkward ‘air kiss’ at the inauguration yesterday, but there’s a pretty simple reason why.
For those of you who have somehow dodged every bit of news until now, Donald Trump was officially sworn in as the 47th President of the United States yesterday.
At 78, Trump’s historic second term follows a decisive victory in the November 2024 election, where he secured 312 electoral votes and over 50% of the popular vote.
This victory makes Trump the first president since Grover Cleveland to serve non-consecutive terms.
While the day was full of celebration and some Elon Musk-related controversy, another moment caught people’s eyes.
Before taking the oath of office on January 20, Trump leaned in to kiss his wife Melania on the cheek, but things didn’t go to plan.
What actually happened was a really awkward air kiss, but there was a good reason for it.
You see, the attempt was thwarted by Melania’s wide-brimmed navy hat, a design by Eric Javits.
The hat’s brim collided with Trump’s forehead, forcing the couple to settle for an air kiss instead.
Melania, dressed in a navy silk-wool tailored coat, pencil skirt, and ivory blouse by designer Adam Lippes, paired her ensemble with black leather gloves and the now-famous hat.
Speaking to The New York Post, Lippes commented on the occasion: “The tradition of the presidential inauguration embodies the beauty of American democracy, and today we had the honor to dress our first lady, Mrs. Melania Trump.
“Mrs. Trump’s outfit was created by some of America’s finest craftsmen, and I take great pride in showing such work to the world.”
Melania’s choice of a hat was notable, as she became the first first lady since Nancy Reagan in 1985 to wear one at an inauguration.
Fashion expert Emma McClendon, assistant professor of fashion studies at St. John’s University, reflected on the decision: “There is something, again, very old world, traditional in the use of a hat.
“There’s been a return of interest to some of these elements that have maybe faded out of the everyday wardrobe for most people. This is something that’s not happening in a vacuum.”
While the hat was one reason, others have speculated that Melania didn’t want to mess up her makeup with a kiss.
“I’m guessing the ‘air kiss’ to Melania was to not mess up her makeup, but the air kiss looked odd and I’m sure a big deal will be made about it,” one fan wrote.
Following the oath, Trump successfully kissed Melania on the cheek.
Ahead of the inauguration, Melania shared her plans for balancing her roles as first lady and mother to Barron Trump, 18, who is currently studying at NYU’s Stern School of Business.
Speaking to Fox News, she said: “I will be in the White House. And when I need to be in New York, I will be in New York. When I need to be in Palm Beach, I will be in Palm Beach. My first priority is to be a mom, to be a first lady, to be a wife.”
