Donald and Melania Trump returned to Washington, D.C., after spending Thanksgiving weekend in Florida, but it was Melania who drew the most attention when they stepped off Marine One. Social media immediately erupted with reactions, jokes, and theories because she was wearing oversized sunglasses at night.
The Trump family had spent the holiday at Mar-a-Lago in Palm Beach, where Melania kept a low profile while Donald Trump made several public appearances. But once they landed back in Washington, cameras captured Melania descending the steps of Marine One in the dark, still wearing the same sunglasses she had worn earlier when exiting Air Force One.
It took only minutes for users on X (formerly Twitter) to weigh in. Some poked fun at her choice of eyewear, joking that she would have an easier time navigating stairs without dark glasses or comparing her style to Anna Wintour. Others suggested that Melania often hides behind sunglasses or hats to avoid public scrutiny.
The online chatter soon shifted to an old conspiracy theory that a “body double” occasionally replaces Melania at public events. Users questioned why she would wear sunglasses after dark, with some insisting that the woman exiting the aircraft must not have been the real Melania.
Not all reactions were negative. Some commenters defended her, suggesting she may have worn sunglasses for practical reasons, such as covering tired eyes or going without makeup during the trip. Others praised her fashion sense and argued that her style choices consistently set her apart.
As the holiday season begins, Melania has resumed traditional duties, including receiving the official White House Christmas tree. Her previous holiday role made headlines in 2020 when leaked audio revealed her frustration with decorating responsibilities amid political controversies.
Now, with her sunglasses moment fueling online debate, Melania once again finds herself in the spotlight — intentionally or not. Whether it was fashion, privacy, or personal preference, her after-dark accessory choice has sparked widespread curiosity.