President Donald Trump is back on the world stage, shaking hands and flashing that signature smirk—but this time, without former First Lady Melania Trump by his side. And guess what? The ladies of Trumpworld aren’t just holding it down, they’re “owning” the spotlight like it’s Fashion Week meets foreign policy.
On Wednesday night, inside the gleaming halls of Qatar’s Lusail Palace, it wasn’t just the chandeliers that dazzled. White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt rolled up to the state dinner in a violet caped dress that screamed “confident elegance,” while longtime aide Margo Martin strutted through the receiving line in a sleek black pantsuit and gravity-defying heels. Oh, and Chief of Staff Susie Wiles? She lightened the mood with a soft yellow blazer that still meant business.
Now, let’s rewind to pre-trip chatter. Everyone wondered: would these high-powered women don headscarves in Saudi Arabia? The answer was a stylish “nope.” And if you recall, Trump wasn’t exactly thrilled back in 2015 when Michelle Obama went bare-headed during her Saudi visit. Fast-forward to 2025, and his own entourage is taking the same route Melania did in 2017—Western wear with a respectful nod, minus the scarves.
Tuesday’s events in Riyadh were practically a power-walk fashion show. Leavitt chose a mint green pantsuit for the Royal Court, practically glowing as she hustled through photo ops and policy meetings.
Wiles kept it classy and conservative with a baby blue blazer and black tapered trousers. And Martin? She posed in front of a Riyadh sign like a Vogue editorial with purpose, rocking a powder blue number that balanced elegance with diplomacy.
Even on the more relaxed turf of Qatar—where the dress code is lighter—the women kept it sharp. Leavitt switched gears to a gray pantsuit for her meetings with the emir. These aren’t just outfits, they’re statements: poised, powerful, and unapologetically Western.
Let’s not forget: Saudi Arabia has changed. The hijab and abaya? No longer required since 2018—unless you’re visiting religious sites. So while no mosque stops were on the itinerary (at least not yet), the fashion choices felt both bold and appropriate.
And speaking of religious stops, eyes are now on Abu Dhabi. Ivanka covered up at the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque in 2020.
Will any current Trumpworld women follow that example as the president heads there Thursday? We’ll see. For now, they’re making it clear: diplomacy doesn’t have to ditch personality—or pantsuits.
With Melania offstage, the next-gen power players of Trump’s inner circle are proving they’ve got both the wardrobe and the gravitas to carry the torch.
