Melania Trump’s Funeral Attire Sparks Controversy During Rosalynn Carter’s Service
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Melania Trump, the former First Lady, made a striking appearance at Rosalynn Carter’s funeral in November 2023. She joined notable figures such as former President Bill Clinton, and former First Ladies Michelle Obama, Hillary Clinton, and Laura Bush, along with President Joe Biden and First Lady Jill Biden. However, Melania stood out for her unusual attire, which an ex-aide later condemned as “catwalking.”
The 39th president of the United States, Jimmy Carter, laid his wife Rosalynn to rest after she passed away at the age of 96 on November 19, 2023. Among the many who attended the funeral, Melania attracted attention for wearing a light grey outfit in a sea of black, traditionally more appropriate for funerals, according to Newsweek.
Stephanie Winston Wolkoff, a former aide and “friend” of Melania, who is also a fashion and entertainment executive, alleged that the 54-year-old used the funeral as an opportunity to showcase her modeling skills. Sharing photos from the ceremony, Wolkoff, a vocal critic of her former friend-turned-First Lady, called her out in a post on X (formerly Twitter).
“Melania Trump knew every time she made a public appearance, ‘a picture would be worth a thousand words.’ In Melania’s case, the picture would have to do all the talking. This time is no different! Melania made this service a photo op for herself. Instead of handling her appearance with dignity and humility, she used it as a catwalk,” Wolkoff criticized.
Melania’s choice to wear a gray tweed coat, defying the tradition of wearing black at a funeral, sparked online discussion. While other First Ladies opted for well-tailored black outfits, Melania’s attire was seen as controversial. However, Diane Gottsman, founder of The Protocol School of Texas, defended her choice, stating, “Her choice of outfit was conservative and respectful.”
On social media, Melania publicly paid tribute to the deceased First Lady, writing, “Rosalynn Carter leaves behind a meaningful legacy not only as First Lady but as a wife and mother. We will always remember her servant’s heart and devotion to her husband, family, and country. May she rest in peace.”
Other First Ladies also shared their memories of Rosalynn Carter. Michelle Obama praised her “faith and her commitment to service,” recalling, “When our family was in the White House, every so often, Rosalynn would join me for lunch, offering a few words of advice and always — always — a helping hand. She reminded me to make the role of First Lady my own, just like she did. I’ll always remain grateful for her support and her generosity.”
While Hillary Clinton did not post a personal tribute, she and her husband Bill Clinton issued an official statement, saying, “Rosalynn will be forever remembered as the embodiment of a life lived with purpose,” highlighting her “compassion” and “human dignity.”
