Melania Trump is a 'different person than she was eight years ago', staffer says
Melania Trump's stylist designer and photographer have opened up about working with the First Lady upon her return to the White House alongside husband, US President Donald Trump.
Hervé Pierre and photographer Regine Mahaux spoke about their experiences in the latest issue of HELLO!
"She's always been hands on, but she's more free nowadays to make a statement," Mahaux said, adding that Melania is a "different person than she was eight years ago and has always been true to herself".
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Melania stylist and designer as well as her photographer have opened up about working with the First Lady. HELLO!/X
"This time, it feels like a different energy with new people that the President has surrounded himself with," he added.
He spoke of Melania's role as First Lady, adding that she's "always behind her husband".
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He admitted that while her husband is the one in the spotlight, she is happy to be standing beside him.
He added that she always puts him first, prioritising her role as a wife, family values and making sure they're happy.
'This time, it feels like a different energy with new people that the President has surrounded himself with.' Getty
"It's always her husband first, and I like that; she has strong family values, to be a good wife and to make sure they're happy."
Pierre spoke of Melania's hands on approach, describing how she packed her own clothes so she is "sure what is in my luggage".
And it goes further than that.
For those who think that Melania sits around, surrounded by "servants" it's the opposite, she's the kind of woman who will make you a coffee herself.
Pierre spoke of Melania's hands on approach. Getty
The publication also spoke with interior designer Tham Kannalikham.
Kannalikham described Melania as an "inquisitive and thoughtful individual" and she values listening and learning from others.
"She understands the power of listening – an often overlooked but critical trait of strong leadership," he added.
Melania also opened up about her plans ahead of her return to the White House.
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Melania's official White House portrait was released in January 2025. The White House
Mahaux described Melania and Barron as "good team" and noted they have a very special connection.
Melania told Fox & Friends ahead of her husband's second inauguration she didn't feel supported in her work during her first term as US First Lady from 2017 until 2021, particularly for her 'Be Best' campaign which focused on children's mental health and social media use.
"I didn't have much support from anyone. I invited all of the streaming platforms to the White House. I had the roundtable, and I didn't have much support from them," she said.
"And imagine what we could do in those years if they will rally behind me and teach the children and protect them about social media and their mental health."
She said she does feel more supported now and plans to expand the program.
A documentary following Melania's return to the White House is currently being produced by Amazon.
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