Early on the day of the inauguration, Donald Trump arrived with his retinue at St. John’s Episcopal Church in Washington, DC, for a prayer service. He was joined by his wife, First Lady Melania Trump, as well as by Vice President-elect JD Vance and his wife, Usha. St. John’s Episcopal Church in Lafayette Square was established in 1815 and has been called the “Church of the Presidents.”
The First Lady, 54, wore a navy Adam Lippes tailored navy silk wool coat, a navy silk wool pencil skirt, and an ivory silk crepe blouse, all sewn and designed by Lippes. The design house told reporters, “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.”
Lippes told the press “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.” At Trump’s last inauguration, the First Lady wore a powder blue Ralph Lauren dress and coat, which many likened to Jacqueline Kennedy. Second Lady Usha Vance wore a brighter outfit. She sported a pale pink overcoat with light gray gloves and knee-high boots.
Herve Pierre, Trump’s stylist, offered a unique insight into how the presidential couple dresses. He reports that “ninety-five percent” of Melania’s outfits are purchased off the rack, where most public figures work with designers to custom-make her clothes. He also explained that he was once shopping in a Madison Avenue store when he was informed he “was not welcome here.”
The stylist says “The fashion industry is not very welcoming [of Trump.] That’s no secret.” Jayme Franklin, founder and CEO of the Conservateur, told reporters “She’s one of the most beautiful women who’s ever graced the White House. I would say she’s on par with Jackie O. And she has incredible style.” Livestream footage shows Trump and his wife emerging from a black SUV as they approached the church.
As is tradition, “the Trumps will meet President Joe Biden and first lady Jill Biden at the White House for a customary tea reception.” The St. John’s website reports, “[The Church] has welcomed every president to worship in its sanctuary beginning with James Madison. Several have been regular communicants, earning St. John’s its status as a National Historic Landmark.”
On Sunday night, Trump addressed his supporters before the inauguration. During his Make America Great Again rally on Sunday evening inside Capitol One Arena, he said “I’m thrilled to be back with so many friends, supporters, and true American patriots on the eve of taking back our country; that’s what we’re going to do: take back our country.”
Watch Melania Leave St. Johns:
President Trump, First Lady Melania depart St. Johns Church this morning pic.twitter.com/mbce5ktoHB
— FLOTUS Report (@MELANIAJTRUMP) January 20, 2025
As we reported, President Trump will be sworn in by placing his hand on two Bibles, one of which was given to him by his mother and the other by President Lincoln used during his inaugural ceremony in 1861. Trump’s bible, was given to him by his mother in 1955, to “mark his Sunday Church Primary School graduation at First Presbyterian Church, in Jamaica, New York.” The text is a 1953 revised standard version that was published by Thomas Nelson and Sons in New York. Trump’s name is embossed on the lower portion of the front cover.
Featured image: Screen shot from embedded video.