This Melania Moment from the Inauguration Is Going Viral
And when you see it, you'll know why.

The inauguration of our 45th president was—by virtue of how controversial he is and/or by virtue of how obsessive the internet is—one of the most pored-over events in recent memory. Which is why, days later, we have this new little nugget to present.
The clip, spotted and circulated by Twitter user @Marv_Vien, shows First Lady Melania Trump smiling at her husband during the swearing-in ceremony—only to drop into a deep frown the moment he turns away:
pic.twitter.com/IDrGPkJQSlJanuary 23, 2017
While some people have suggested the clip might have been doctored or manipulated, Refinery29 points out that it can be seen happening in real time two hours and 51 minutes into this video of the inauguration:
The moment is just legitimately sad, and when things on the internet evoke strong feelings, going viral is basically inevitable. If this clip is making you feel feels, you're not alone.
this is sad. RT @SavageJoeBiden: Can y'all please look at Melania face when Trump turns around 😭😭😭 pic.twitter.com/elBqTcEDQNJanuary 24, 2017
@LifelnWords: Can y'all please look at Melania's face when Trump turns around 😂😭😭 pic.twitter.com/rXC2t4nx01 So SAD!https://t.co/KXA4BaFQAzJanuary 24, 2017
Follow Marie Claire on Facebook for the latest celeb news, beauty tips, fascinating reads, livestream video, and more.
Stay In The Know
Get exclusive access to fashion and beauty trends, hot-off-the-press celebrity news, and more.
Kayleigh Roberts is a freelance writer and editor with over 10 years of professional experience covering entertainment of all genres, from new movie and TV releases to nostalgia, and celebrity news. Her byline has appeared in Marie Claire, Cosmopolitan, ELLE, Harper’s Bazaar, The Atlantic, Allure, Entertainment Weekly, MTV, Bustle, Refinery29, Girls’ Life Magazine, Just Jared, and Tiger Beat, among other publications. She's a graduate of the Medill School of Journalism at Northwestern University.
-
Sofia Richie Grainge Styles Zebra Pants With Flip-Flops
Next stop on the tour: her elegant wedding venue in the South of France.
-
Gigi Hadid Pairs Metallic Track Pants and Mesh Flats
The controversial shoe trend is most definitely gaining steam.
-
Body Language Expert Says Kate Can't "Mask Her Emotions"
"We also saw William...mirroring the same emotions as Kate."
-
The Post-America Moms Club Helping Families Start Over in Europe
A growing number of American moms are ditching the U.S. and raising their families in Europe. A buzzy new membership group is helping them do it.
-
Who is Susie Wiles? President-Elect Donald Trump Names His White House Chief of Staff
The political consultant helped the former president run his successful 2024 campaign.
-
A Nationwide Reaction to the 2024 Election
How are people feeling in this moment? Marie Claire spoke to folks across the country to find out what they were thinking as they cast their votes and waited to hear the results.
-
The Historic Election Victories Worth Celebrating
Including momentous firsts, abortion protections, and New York's "Equal Rights Amendment."
-
Kamala Harris Has Lost the 2024 Presidential Election
It's official.
-
Donald Trump Is Ordered to Pay E. Jean Carroll $83.3 Million in Damages
Carroll had filed two defamation suits against the former president.
-
E. Jean Carroll Triumphs Over Donald Trump In Civil Suit
A jury found him liable for sexual abuse and defamation.
-
36 Ways Women Still Aren't Equal to Men
Features It's just one of the many ways women still aren't equal to men.