On Thursday morning, January 9, 2025, individuals including former U.S. presidents, dignitaries, and family members assembled at the Washington (DC) National Cathedral. They were there for the state funeral service of former President Jimmy Carter. Notably, the attire of former First Lady Melania Trump, 54, attracted special attention.
The memorial service marked a rare convergence of American political leadership, with five former presidents and their partners in attendance at 11 a.m. The gathering transcended party lines, bringing together the Clintons (with Hillary sporting symbolic American imagery in her jewelry), the Bushes, Obama, the Bidens, and the Trumps. The assembly extended beyond presidents to include former vice presidents Gore and Pence, as well as Harris and her husband Emhoff, creating a momentous display of America’s political heritage under one roof.
Melania Trump opted for a black Valentino trench coat dress with a belted waist. The dress had a distinctive oversized white collar, displaying a 19th-century neoclassical sculpture of lovers kissing among roses and butterflies. This design was part of Valentino’s fall 2019 collaboration with Undercover. Melania paired this ensemble with black Manolo Blahnik pumps and minimal jewelry.
Users on X reacted swiftly to Melania’s unconventional choice of attire. Comments ranged from humorous to confused, with one user asking if Melania had borrowed a choir robe for the occasion. Cultural and religious connotations were also brought up, with some comparing Melania’s outfit to a scene from “The Handmaid’s Tale.”
The gathering showcased a complex web of political relationships, highlighted by a significant exchange between Trump and Obama. While some bridges were maintained, visible tensions emerged in the seating arrangements and body language of key figures. Harris’s deliberate forward gaze and Karen Pence’s avoidance of the Trumps contrasted sharply with Mike Pence’s diplomatic handshake, illustrating the delicate balance between protocol and personal boundaries at high-profile political events.
Current First Lady Jill Biden was present in a formal black outfit, complemented by Dior slingback pumps. President Joe Biden, 82, was among the individuals who delivered eulogies. Other speakers included Steve Ford, Ted Mondale, and Carter’s grandson Jason.
Earlier in the week, as Carter’s body was being transported from the Carter Center in Atlanta, Georgia, to the U.S. Capitol, Trump had addressed Carter’s legacy at a news conference. He specifically criticized Carter’s decision related to the Panama Canal, expressing his disagreement with the move.
Carter’s final resting place will be in his hometown of Plains, Georgia. His casket was transported to Georgia for burial after the state funeral. He will be interred next to his wife, Rosalynn Carter, at their family residence, which is part of the Jimmy Carter National Historical Park.
