Melania Trump's inauguration hat is fueling lots of reactions on social media

Inauguration Day has begun, and so have the fashion critiques.

Melania Trump arrived at the ceremony on Monday wearing an outfit by American designer Adam Lippes, according to fashion website WWD — but what everyone is talking about is the incoming first lady's hat, the work of American designer Eric Javits.

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The wide-rimmed hat, a dark navy with a white ribbon, partially shields Trump's face, and immediately evoked a sharp reaction. Some users on X admired the look:

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Others, however, harkened it to fictional characters Zorro, a masked vigilante, and Carmen Sandiego, a criminal mastermind:

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There were also comparisons to the Babadook, the titular horror character of Jennifer Kent's 2014 film (combined with the Quaker Oat man...)

Melania looks like a combination of the Babadook and the Quaker Oats man

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— Mark Joseph Stern (@mjsdc.bsky.social) January 20, 2025 at 11:03 AM

Given that the hat obscured Trump's face, there was also speculation that the sartorial choice would fuel conspiracy theories about a "fake" Melania:

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As today goes on, the conversation is sure to steer away from fashion and towards whatever executive orders Donald Trump will sign on day one of his second term as president.