Melania Trump channels Kelly McGillis’ iconic ‘Top Gun’ look at Navy event

Melania Trump’s 'Top Gun'-inspired outfit went viral as social media users praised her classy, stylish look, calling it perfect for the Navy celebration
PUBLISHED OCT 6, 2025
Melania Trump wore a brown leather bomber jacket over a white collared shirt and dark-wash jeans, channeling Kelly McGillis’ iconic 'Top Gun' style (IMDb, Alex Wong/Getty Images)
Melania Trump wore a brown leather bomber jacket over a white collared shirt and dark-wash jeans, channeling Kelly McGillis’ iconic 'Top Gun' style (IMDb, Alex Wong/Getty Images)


 

NORFOLK, VIRGINIA: President Donald Trump and first lady Melania Trump visited Naval Station Norfolk for the Salute to the Fleet celebration on Sunday, October 5. The event marked the Navy’s 250th anniversary and honored the dedication of America’s sailors.

Melania’s Top Gun-inspired outfit, channeling Kelly McGillis, turned heads — and social media couldn’t stop talking about her style.

First lady Melania Trump walks on the South Lawn of the White House on October 05, 2025 in Washington, DC. She and President Donald Trump were returning from a celebration of the Navy’s 250th anniversary in Norfolk, Virginia. (Photo by Tasos Katopodis/Getty Images)
First lady Melania Trump walks on the South Lawn of the White House on October 05, 2025 in Washington, DC. She and President Donald Trump were returning from a celebration of the Navy’s 250th anniversary in Norfolk, Virginia (Tasos Katopodis/Getty Images)

Melania Trump pays tribute to Navy with ‘Top Gun’-inspired style

Melania Trump turned heads in true cinematic fashion during the couple’s visit to Naval Station Norfolk in Virginia.

She appeared to be embracing her 'Top Gun' era as she channeled Charlotte “Charlie” Blackwood — the character played by Kelly McGillis opposite Tom Cruise’s Maverick in the 1986 blockbuster film.

She wore a classic brown leather bomber jacket that gave off an unmistakable vintage military vibe. Underneath, she paired it with a crisp white collared shirt neatly tucked into dark-wash jeans that highlighted her frame.

The outfit was simple but striking — a perfect mix of strength and sophistication. She completed the look with her signature aviator sunglasses and a white “USA” baseball cap, adding just the right amount of patriotic flair.

First Lady Melania Trump and U.S. President Donald Trump disembark from Air Force One after landing at Naval Station Norfolk before they visit the USS George H.W. Bush aircraft carrier on October 5, 2025 in Norfolk, Virginia. President Trump is visiting Naval Station Norfolk in Virginia for a celebration of the 250th birthday of the U.S. Navy. (Photo by Alex Wong/Getty Images)
First lady Melania Trump and President Donald Trump disembark from Air Force One after landing at Naval Station Norfolk before they visit the USS George HW Bush aircraft carrier on October 5, 2025 in Norfolk, Virginia. President Trump is visiting Naval Station Norfolk in Virginia for a celebration of the 250th birthday of the US Navy (Alex Wong/Getty Images)

Her outfit immediately drew comparisons to the iconic 1980s aviation classic, with fans noting how she embodied that confident, polished energy.

Standing on the deck of the USS George HW Bush, Melania looked calm and confident as she waved and called out a cheerful “hooyah.” Sailors responded with smiles and enthusiastic applause, clearly enjoying the moment.

The first lady also took a moment to express her gratitude to those serving the nation. “Generations of sailors have kept America free because of your presence on the high seas,” she said. “Your strength, bravery and sacrifice inspire us all.” Smiling and waving to the crowd, she appeared genuinely moved by the warm reception.

President Donald Trump and First Lady Melania Trump arrive on the deck of the USS George H.W. Bush aircraft carrier on October 5, 2025 off the eastern coast of the United States. President Trump is visiting Naval Station Norfolk in Virginia for a celebration of the 250th birthday of the U.S. Navy. (Photo by Alex Wong/Getty Images)
President Donald Trump and first lady Melania Trump arrive on the deck of the USS George HW Bush aircraft carrier on October 5, 2025 off the eastern coast of the United States. President Trump is visiting Naval Station Norfolk in Virginia for a celebration of the 250th birthday of the US Navy (Alex Wong/Getty Images)

Social media praises Melania Trump’s ‘Top Gun’ look

Melania Trump’s 'Top Gun' inspired outfit caught the attention of social media users. Many applauded her look, calling it both classy and perfectly fitting for the occasion.

Fans flooded the comments, praising how effortlessly stylish she appeared while celebrating the Navy’s 250th anniversary. “Our beautiful first lovely lady, Melania Trump,” shared one user. 



 

Another commented, “Beautiful.”



 

“Magnificent! Love the baseball cap and the shoes for this occasion! Most spirited presentation I've seen,” wrote another fan.



 

Someone else added, “Top Gun sharp.” Another user wrote, “Love the look. Very vintage Top Gun.”



 



 

One admirer joked, “I bet that brown leather jacket is already sold out… or will be by tomorrow.”



 

“God, she’s a vision. So chic. So elegant. So sophisticated. So smart,” another commenter shared, praising her beauty.



 

Trump’s Navy speech highlights support for troops

President Donald Trump makes remarks during the Navy 250 Celebration aboard the USS Harry S. Truman aircraft carrier on October 5, 2025 in Norfolk, Virginia. President Trump is visiting Naval Station Norfolk in Virginia for a celebration of the 250th birthday of the U.S. Navy. (Photo by Alex Wong/Getty Images)
President Donald Trump makes remarks during the Navy 250 Celebration aboard the USS Harry S Truman aircraft carrier on October 5, 2025 in Norfolk, Virginia. President Trump is visiting Naval Station Norfolk in Virginia for a celebration of the 250th birthday of the US Navy (Alex Wong/Getty Images)

Donald Trump’s speech kicked off under roaring Navy planes, with sailors erupting in a spirited “USA! USA! USA!” He took the podium and spoke to nearly 10,000 sailors and their families, urging them to have faith.

“I want you to know that... we will get our service members every last penny. Don’t worry about it,” Trump assured the audience.

Before the visit, he had posted on Truth Social, writing, “I believe, ‘THE SHOW MUST GO ON!’ This will be the largest Celebration in the History of the Navy.”

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and Navy Secretary John Phelan joined him at the event. Hegseth has recently made headlines for steering the military away from what he called “woke culture.”



 

He also introduced new fitness standards described as “gender-neutral or male-level.” While Trump’s speech reflected his trademark confidence, it was Melania’s 'Top Gun' inspired look that ultimately stole the spotlight.

This article contains remarks made on the Internet by individual people and organizations. MEAWW cannot confirm them independently and does not support claims or opinions being made online.

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