Melania Trump’s most controversial first lady moments, from her hilarious Christmas complaints to not-so-subtle style statements – Donald Trump wasn’t the only one causing a stir in the White House

American first ladies have traditionally played a delicate, understated, tightrope-walking role – supporting their spouses while trying not to steal the spotlight, focusing on philanthropic efforts, and in recent decades playing the role of fashion icon, too.

Melania Trump has ticked all those things off the list, and then some … and not necessarily in a positive sense. While we don’t yet know her plans for after she leaves the White House, the headlines she sparked over her four-year stay in America’s most exclusive residence are still fresh in our minds.

Melania has had many style hits – but also some most notable misses. One included her wearing a pith helmet on a trip to Nairobi in 2018, which to many evoked imagery of imperial oppressors.

But one of her most memorable fashion statements was literally a statement. During a visit to see detained children at the US border, she wore a Zara jacket with “I don’t really care, do u?” emblazoned across the back. It left a bad taste in the mouths of many after her husband appeared seemingly apathetic to having separated children from their parents.

Compared to previous couples in the White House, Melania and Donald didn’t appear very affectionate, and not just for the sake of keeping things PG. While the president was often seen reaching to hold her hand as a sign of unity or to help his wife down stairs in her heeled shoes, she was regularly caught on camera swatting him away.