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Inside Melania Trump's World: A Behind-the-Scenes Look at the First Lady  ¡HOLA! Digital Cover

Melania Trump’s First Lady evolution: ‘She’s a different person than she was eight years ago’ [Exclusive]

"She's great at her job and she's embracing it," she added.


Daniel Neira
Daniel Neira - Los Angeles
Senior WriterLos Angeles
FEBRUARY 6, 2025 4:56 PM EST

Melania Trump has started a new life chapter. The former and current First Lady has gone through a personal and professional evolution since she first entered the White House in 2017. In a world exclusive with HOLA! and HELLO!, Melania has offered a glimpse at the next pivotal moment in her life, one for which she is more than ready.

The First Lady was photographed by world-renowned Belgian portrait artist Régine Mahaux, who showed how confident Melania is in her own journey, accompanied by her husband, President Donald Trump, and their son, Barron Trump

Inside Melania Trump's World: A Behind-the-Scenes Look at the First Lady  ¡HOLA! Digital Cover© Régine Mahaux
The President and the First Lady on their way out for a long night of events in Washington, D.C.

“She's a different person than she was eight years ago. She's always been true to herself,” said Régine, her longtime photographer, who has worked with her for 17 years. “She's ready. She's very ready,” confirms the world-renowned Belgian portrait artist.

Inside Melania Trump's World: A Behind-the-Scenes Look at the First Lady  ¡HOLA! Digital Cover© Régine Mahaux

The recent statement comes after Melania shared her thoughts about her new life chapter during an interview days before the presidential inauguration. "I know where I will be going. I know the rooms where we will be living. I know the process," she said to Ainsley Earhardt on Fox & Friends about moving into the White House. 

Régine described Melania as "strong" and confident. "She's great at her job and she's embracing it," she added, explaining that the First Lady "wants to be recognized for who she is," while cementing her legacy. 

Inside Melania Trump's World: A Behind-the-Scenes Look at the First Lady  ¡HOLA! Digital Cover© Régine Mahaux
Melania and Donald Trump attending the Al Smith Dinner for Catholic Charities in New York

“She is intelligent, courageous, and takes each role seriously. She is humble, sensible, steady, and incredibly professional,” said Régine.“There is something in her—the strong woman—but at the same time, there is a soft power," she added.

Inside Melania Trump's World: A Behind-the-Scenes Look at the First Lady  ¡HOLA! Digital Cover© Régine Mahaux

Giving a glimpse at her responsibilities and interactions inside the White House, the photographer talked about her dynamic and interactions. "She genuinely cares about her team in the East Wing. Her chief of staff, Hayley D’Antuono, and her assistant, Casey Finzer, provide incredible support. It’s wonderful to have such dedicated people around her. She also prioritizes mentoring young professionals, helping to shape and educate the next generation.”

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