Donald Trump took some time towards the end of an unscripted inauguration rally speech — his second of the day — to poke fun at his wife’s wardrobe on Monday, joking that the hat she chose to wear almost made her “blow away.” But folks on social media joked that the fashion choice was actually much more strategic.
Melania Trump opted to wear all black for her husband’s swearing in ceremony, complete with a wide-brimmed hat. That part of the outfit quickly drew mockery online, and even her own husband poked fun at it to a crowd.
“We went out to the helicopter just prior to this, and said goodbye as custom, and the wind is blowing like crazy, and with the hat that she’s wearing, she almost blew away,” Trump said with a chuckle. “We almost lost her. She was being elevated off the ground.”
But, after video of Trump attempting — and failing — to give Melania a kiss around the hat surfaced, social media users joked that Melania wore the hat as an intentional method of protection.
“Melania wasn’t taking any chances,” the official X account for “The Daily Show” posted, alongside a photo of the hat manipulated to look even larger.
“Oh, now it makes sense,” another person wrote. “Melania wore the hat as a barrier to Trump’s lips. Got it.”
For many, the hat was reminiscent of one character in particular — someone who was once a staple for Trump’s favorite fast food place.
“Melania chose to wear her Hamburglar hat to honor all the criminals in the nation — and next to her,” one comedian joked.
You can see more reactions to Melania Trump’s hat below.