Melania Trump stood out in a shiny black trench coat as she traveled to New Orleans with her husband, President Donald Trump, to watch the College Football Playoff National Championship on Monday.
The couple was seen walking across the South Lawn of the White House as they made their way to Marine One ahead of the matchup between Clemson University and Louisiana State University — two football powerhouses hailing from red states that Trump carried in the 2016 presidential election.
Melanie, 49, avoided wearing either team’s colors and stuck with a neutral, all-black outfit. The first lady looked sleek in her $2,000 belted leather coat by Scanlan Theodore.
Outfit of the day: Melania Trump donned head-to-toe black as she headed to New Orleans with her husband, President Donald Trump, on Monday afternoon
On the go: The couple flew to New Orleans to watch Clemson University and Louisiana State University duke it out at the College Football Playoff National Championship
Saying hi: Melania stopped to greet fans while walking across the South Lawn of the White House with her husband
She paired the shiny slicker with knee-high black stiletto boots, and she wore her highlighted brown hair in loose waves around her shoulders.
While the former model sported head-to-toe black, her husband had on his signature navy suit, red tie, and navy wool coat to keep warm.
Trump addressed the media before their flight, and after he was done, they stopped to greet fans as they strolled across the South Lawn of the White House together.
Melania had a bright smile on her face, and they both seemed to be in great spirits when they stepped onto Marine One for the first stretch of their flight.
Statement piece: The first lady looked sleek in her belted coat, which appeared to be made of black patent leather
Added touch: Melania paired the shiny slicker with knee-high black stiletto boots
Standard: Trump donned his signature navy suit, red tie, and navy wool coat to keep warm
Good spirits: They both took turns waving during their walk across the South Lawn
After a short helicopter ride to Joint Base Andrews in Maryland, they made their way across the tarmac and boarded Air Force One.
The game will be broadcast nationally on ESPN, giving Trump the opportunity to be seen by millions on the eve of a Democratic presidential debate in Iowa amid daily revelations about the strike that took out Iranian general Qassem Soleimani.
The championship will be Trump’s third college football game this season and his second time watching LSU.
In November, he was on hand when the Tigers snapped Alabama’s eight-game losing streak, defeating the Crimson Tide 46 to 41. Trump was cheered inside the stadium in Tuscaloosa during the highly-touted game.
Signature style: Melania wore her highlighted brown hair in loose waves around her shoulders
Smart: Melania avoided wearing either team’s colors and stuck with a neutral, all-black outfit
Date night? The couple seemed to be in good spirits ahead of the game
Affection: Trump had his hand on his wife’s back right before the boarded Marine One
First stop: After a short helicopter ride, they arrived at Joint Base Andrews in Maryland
Having fun: Melania was all smiles after she stepped off the helicopter
Trump’s trip to the Alabama-LSU game followed his appearance at an Ultimate Fighting Championship bout at Madison Square Garden in New York where he was met with both cheers and boos.
The president was also subjected to a chorus of boos when he attended a World Series Game for the hometown Washington Nationals in October, after bucking presidential tradition and not throwing out an opening pitch.
Fans chanted ‘lock him up,’ the same phrase Trump supporters directed at his political opponent Hillary Clinton in 2016.
The president’s appearance at the national championship on Monday is likely to lead to a boost in security, with state and local police, and U.S. Secret Service all contributing.
Next up: The couple walked across the tarmac and boarded Air Force One together
Goodbye: Trump gave one last wave before the stepped inside the aircraft
Football fan: The national championship marks the third college football game Trump’s has attended this season
His visit to the LSU-Alabama game led to warnings from public officials for ticket-holders to prepare for long lines.
And it seems the president may be an LSU fan.
Trump called LSU coach Ed Orgeron after the team’s triumph over Oklahoma in the Peach Bowl.
‘He was very pleasant to talk to. Very complimentary of our football team, our coaching staff,’ Orgeron said afterward, the Advocate reported. ‘Complimentary of the way the state of Louisiana has rallied around us. Was complimentary of the way we played all year and wished us good luck in the game.’