Monday night’s inaugural celebrations for President Donald Trump’s second term brought all the pageantry, glamour, and, let’s face it, unforgettable moments you’d expect from the Trump universe. At the Commander-in-Chief Ball, the president and first lady Melania Trump dazzled the crowd with a mix of elegance, humor, and those signature Trump touches that turned the evening into something uniquely theirs.
Melania, ever the picture of grace, stepped onto the stage wearing a stunning black-and-white strapless gown, paired with sleek white heels and a choker featuring a floral bouquet-style brooch.
Designed by Hervé Pierre—the same designer behind her 2017 inaugural gown—it was an ensemble that screamed timeless sophistication. Meanwhile, President Trump sported a classic black tuxedo and bow tie, looking every bit the Commander-in-Chief ready to celebrate his return to the White House.
As the night unfolded, the first couple shared a dance to thunderous applause, kicking off the festivities. Melania smiled and swayed alongside her husband, and at one point, even broke into an impromptu dance move after the music had faded—a moment that had the crowd cheering and the internet buzzing. It was a reminder that even in high-stakes political settings, sometimes spontaneity steals the show.
The evening wasn’t without its memorable Trump moments. During a video call with U.S. troops stationed in South Korea, Trump wasted no time asking, “How’s Kim Jong Un doing?” before referring to the North Korean leader as “a tough cookie.”
Later, the president wielded a sword to ceremoniously slice into the event’s towering cake—decorated to feature his personal Air Force One design—before gleefully asking, “Does anyone want some cake?” The moment got even more over-the-top when “YMCA” blasted through the speakers, prompting Trump to dance, sword in hand. That’s a visual no one will forget anytime soon.
The event also featured appearances by Vice President JD Vance and second lady Usha Vance, who joined the Trumps on stage, along with members of the military. The vice president’s dance partner—a Marine—later revealed that Vance cracked a joke to “break the ice” during their waltz. It was a night of camaraderie and celebration, with moments that ranged from heartfelt to downright theatrical.
The Commander-in-Chief Ball was just one of three events the Trumps attended that evening. At the Liberty Ball, the first couple entered to Elvis Presley’s “Hallelujah,” where they shared another dance before being joined onstage by Trump’s children and their spouses, including Ivanka Trump and Jared Kushner. During his remarks, the president vowed to “turn this country around,” adding, “We’re going to turn this country around and fast. We have assets like nobody else.”
I promise the Trump Cake Sword Dance is the greatest one minute of all time 🤣🤣🤣
I love this man lol. pic.twitter.com/fO1nYDk7ct— Ben Jiles (@BenSJiles) January 21, 2025
The night culminated with the Starlight Ball, rounding off a whirlwind day packed with celebrations, tradition, and a generous dose of Trump-style spectacle. From heartfelt moments with military members to sword-wielding cake cutting, it was an inaugural night Washington won’t soon forget.
