Vogue Critiques Melania Trump's Official Portrait, Calls Her 'Freelance Magician'

Vogue magazine has faced significant backlash after a harsh op-ed by writer Hannah Jackson described Melania Trump's official White House portrait as resembling a 'freelance magician' rather than a public servant. The black-and-white portrait, photographed by Régine Mahaux, shows Melania in a tuxedo and has sparked criticism from her friends and supporters, including Bill White, a nominee for US Ambassador to Belgium, who called for boycotting Vogue. Critics argue that the magazine's critique reflects a political bias, contrasting it with praise for Jill Biden's wardrobe. The article suggests Melania's fashion choices are influenced by her background in reality television and her luxurious lifestyle. Jackson concluded that while the portrait was an improvement over Melania's previous one, it still failed to adhere to traditional expectations for first ladies. This controversy highlights the ongoing tensions between public figures and fashion media, particularly regarding representation and bias.