Why Melania Trump's jacket has sparked outrage
First Lady Melania Trump has sparked outrage over the choice of a jacket she wore as she boarded a flight to a facility housing migrant children separated from their parents.
Mrs Trump donned the controversial jacket on Thursday, emblazoned with the words: “I really don’t care, do u? (sic)”
The green, hooded military jacket had the words written graffiti-style on the back.
When asked what message the first lady’s jacket intends to send, spokeswoman Stephanie Grisham played down the meaning behind the coat.
“It’s a jacket. There was no hidden message. After today’s important visit to Texas, I hope the media isn’t going to choose to focus on her wardrobe,” she said.
Mrs Trump changed into a pale yellow jacket before the plane landed in McAllen, Texas, for a visit to the Upbring New Hope Children’s Centre, which houses 55 migrant children.
The youthful jacket sharply contrasts with the first lady’s typically bold wardrobe.
In public appearances, the first lady has worn designs by Dolce & Gabbana, Del Pozo, Christian Dior, Emilio Pucci, Givenchy and Valentino, often with daringly high Christian Louboutin heels.
While the jacket is currently unavailable, the military-style coat originally retailed for AU$53 in Zara.
As images of Mrs Trump surfaced online, social media was swamped with users in disbelief over her choice of jacket.
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“This can’t be true. Is it?!” one user wrote.
While many slammed her actions, there was a series of comments that the decision to display the message was premeditated.
“How many $39 jackets do you think the wife of a supposed billionaire owns?” one user asked.
In contrast, she wore a floral coat worth $51,000 at last year’s G7 summit.
Donald Trump dismissed the uproar over the coat, suggesting the message was instead directed at the “Fake News Media”.
“I REALLY DON’T CARE, DO U?” written on the back of Melania’s jacket, refers to the Fake News Media. Melania has learned how dishonest they are, and she truly no longer cares!
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) June 21, 2018
This can’t be true. Is it?!
— Tracy (@Tracy90494555) June 21, 2018
Melania Trump's Jacket saying "I Don't Really Care, Do U?" was $39
How many $39 jackets do you think the wife of a supposed billionaire owns?
This was Planned to distract us. I'm nearly certain of it.
— Brian Krassenstein (@krassenstein) June 21, 2018
With AP.