Melania Trump has often chosen a quieter role during her husband’s political career, particularly throughout his second presidential term. While she has largely stayed out of the spotlight, she has not escaped public scrutiny. After facing earlier criticism for launching her own cryptocurrency initiative, the former first lady is once again at the center of backlash following the release of her latest project: a holiday ornament collection.
Last week, Melania announced the launch of her new “Celebrating America” line of Christmas ornaments. According to her, the collection is a limited-edition set of handcrafted decorations designed to commemorate U.S. landmarks and patriotic symbols, all tied to the nation’s upcoming 250th anniversary. The line includes ornaments shaped like the Empire State Building, the Statue of Liberty, and Mount Rushmore, as well as three additional pieces featuring patriotic imagery. Each ornament bears Melania Trump’s engraved signature, and customers also have the option of purchasing a “unique digital collectible” to accompany the physical design.
In her statement, Melania described the project as a continuation of an annual holiday tradition. “I am excited to continue this annual holiday tradition with the Celebrating America collection of ornaments,” she said. “This year, I sought inspiration in our Nation’s upcoming 250th birthday, and all of the holiday blessings that we enjoy as Americans.” The ornaments, she explained, were intended not only as decorative pieces but as symbols of patriotism and unity during the holiday season.
The items range in price from $75 to $90 per ornament, with a full set of six selling for $465. While some supporters praised the effort and admired the designs, social media reaction quickly revealed a wave of criticism. Detractors argued that the collection was more about profit than patriotism. On X, one user dismissed the launch as “more grifting,” while another labeled the Trumps the “griftiest, grifting couple ever.” Others accused Melania of being disconnected from the public, noting the ornaments’ high price point during a time of economic challenges for many families.
This is not the first time Melania Trump has faced backlash for ventures outside her role as first lady. Her cryptocurrency project, launched in 2021, also drew skepticism and accusations of opportunism. Critics now suggest that the ornament collection is a continuation of the same pattern, pointing to what they see as an effort to monetize her public image rather than contribute meaningfully to public life. Some questioned why she was promoting products branded with her name while not actively engaging in broader civic or charitable causes.
At the same time, defenders argue that Melania, like many former first ladies, has every right to pursue entrepreneurial projects. They point out that private holiday ornament collections are not new in American culture and that her designs are being marketed as collectibles, not everyday purchases. Supporters also highlight that she has often focused on art, design, and symbolic traditions during her tenure and afterward, and that the collection aligns with her personal interests.
Still, the criticism has gained traction online, with many perceiving the collection as poorly timed and tone-deaf. The combination of high costs, her engraved signature, and the option to purchase a digital collectible has fueled claims that the ornaments are less about celebration and more about branding. As a result, Melania Trump finds herself navigating yet another round of scrutiny, with her efforts to create a festive tradition overshadowed by controversy. Whether the “Celebrating America” ornaments become cherished holiday items or remain mired in political backlash will likely depend on how the public continues to respond in the weeks ahead.
