President Trump entered the Commander-in-Chief ball with first lady Melania Trump to a thunderous ovation as the inaugural events continued late into the night on Monday.
The 54-year-old first lady dazzled the crowd as she walked out in a striking black-and-white strapless gown, white high-heeled shoes and black choker with an elegant broach resembling a floral bouquet affixed to it.
The dress was reportedly designed by Hervé Pierre, the same couturier behind Melania’s 2017 Inauguration ball dress.
Trump, wearing a black tuxedo and bow tie, promptly began dancing with his wife at the event aimed at military service members.
The first couple was later joined on stage by Vice President JD Vance and second lady Usha Vance, as well as members of the nation’s armed forces, with whom they took time to waltz with as well.
“I’ve had no higher privilege in life than to serve as your commander in chief, not once but twice,” Trump told the cheering crowd.
The ball featured a video call with US service members stationed in South Korea.
“How’s Kim Jong Un doing,” Trump immediately asked once the feed got on the screen.
“I developed a pretty good relationship with him, but he’s a tough cookie,” the president later added.
Before leaving the stage, Trump was handed a sword to cut the ball’s massive cake, which featured his preferred design for Air Force One.
“Does anyone want some cake,” Trump asked gleefully.
The president then danced, sword in hand, when “YMCA” was played over the speakers.
The event was the first of three inaugural balls that Trump and Melania will attend this evening.
The exclusive balls are a longtime inauguration night tradition in Washington that cap off a long day of ceremonies and first-day presidential actions.
The nation’s first inaugural ball was held in 1809 for former President James Madison and his wife Dolley, according to the White House Historical Association.
At the Liberty Ball – Trump’s second social event of the evening – the president and first lady walked out to “Hallelujah” by Elvis Presley and briefly danced again.
They were later joined by several of the president’s grown children and their spouses.
Trump vowed to “turn this country around” during his brief remarks at the Liberty Ball while touting the strength of his supporters.
‘We’re going to turn this country around and fast. We have, we have assets like nobody else,” the president declared.
“We needed three because there’s such support,” he later remarked of the number of inaugural balls.
The Village People performed “YMCA” after Trump finished up his speech.
The Starlight Ball will be the final event the Trumps attend on their whirlwind first day back in the White House.
