So, was Marla Maples at the inauguration? Honestly, it’s one of those questions that pops up every time the Trump family takes over Washington, and the answer isn't just a simple yes or no—it’s a "yes, but it’s complicated."
If we're talking about the most recent 2025 inauguration, the answer is a definitive yes. Marla Maples was there. She wasn't just lurking in the back, either. She was very much part of the family fold, supporting her daughter Tiffany Trump. It’s kinda fascinating to see how the dynamics have shifted over the years. Back in the day, seeing an ex-wife at a presidential swearing-in would have been the scandal of the century. Now? It’s basically just another Tuesday in the Trump orbit.
The 2025 Presence: More Than Just a Guest
During the January 20, 2025, ceremonies, Marla was spotted looking remarkably polished. She’s always had that Zen, Georgia-born-and-bred glow, and she brought it to the Capitol. She was there to witness Donald Trump take the oath for his second term, but her main focus was clearly Tiffany.
Tiffany, who is now 31 and expecting her first child with Michael Boulos, has always been the "quiet" Trump child. But at this inauguration, she was front and center. Marla was right there in the mix, even sharing behind-the-scenes glimpses on social media. She posted about the "girls" getting ready and even joked about their "matchy-matchy" outfits. It felt less like a political statement and more like a mom being proud of her kid on a big stage.
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But let's be real—the seating chart must have been a nightmare for the planners. You've got the current First Lady Melania Trump, the memory of the late Ivana Trump (who passed in 2022), and then Marla.
Glamour and "Exposure"
One thing that always follows Marla Maples around is the talk of her "glam squad." There was a whole saga back in 2017 about hair stylists and whether she tried to get services for "exposure" instead of cash. Fast forward to 2025, and the vibe was a bit different. She worked with high-end artists like Axel Emilio Vásquez Constanza and Scott Barnes. No word on the "exposure" deal this time, but the results were definitely high-definition.
The fact that she was invited and attended speaks volumes about her current relationship with the President. She’s gone on record saying she’s "available if needed" and wants to help unite the nation. It’s a far cry from the days when she was the woman at the center of the most public divorce in New York history.
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Flashback: The 2017 Inauguration Drama
To understand why people keep asking "was Marla Maples at the inauguration," you have to look back at 2017. That was the first time things got truly awkward. Both Marla and Ivana Trump were in attendance that year.
Imagine that tension.
Reports from back then suggest Ivana was so annoyed by Marla’s presence that she skipped some of the later celebrations. Ivana famously told the New York Post she wouldn't accept Marla's apology for the 1990s affair because "she broke my marriage." At the actual ceremony, they were seated far enough apart that they probably didn't have to lock eyes, but the energy was definitely there.
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- 2017: Marla attended to support Tiffany.
- 2021: A much smaller, different vibe due to the transition and COVID.
- 2025: Marla is back, seemingly more integrated into the "inner circle" events than ever before.
Why It Matters
You might think, "Who cares if an ex-wife is there?" But in the world of political optics, everything is a message. Marla’s presence at the 2025 inauguration signals a unified front. It says the family, despite its messy history, is on the same page.
It also highlights Marla’s own evolution. She’s moved from being the "other woman" in the 90s to a lifestyle guru and the mother of a woman who is increasingly important in the Trump family's public image. Seeing her at the inaugural balls, chatting with people like Bettina Anderson (who is linked to Donald Trump Jr.), shows she’s not an outsider anymore. She’s part of the furniture.
Actionable Insights for the Curious
If you're following the Trump family dynamics or just love a bit of political history, here’s how to keep track of what’s real:
- Check the Source: When rumors fly about family feuds, look at who is actually in the photos. Social media posts from the family members themselves (like Marla’s Instagram) often reveal more about the "pecking order" than news reports.
- Look at the Children: In the Trump world, access usually follows the children. Marla’s presence is tied directly to Tiffany’s standing. As Tiffany takes on more of a role (and prepares to start her own family), Marla’s visibility will likely increase.
- Monitor Official Guest Lists: While not always public, the VIP seating at the Capitol is a map of who the administration considers "inner circle."
The bottom line is that Marla Maples has managed to navigate the tricky waters of being a "Presidential Ex" with a lot more grace than people expected back in 1993. She was at the inauguration because, at the end of the day, she's family—at least in the way the Trumps define it.