These 13 photos of Melania Trump defined her image as first lady

• First lady Melania Trump has grown from a background actor in her husband's campaign to the second most closely watched figure in the White House. 
• The public eye follows the first lady at home and abroad, whether she's appearing with President Donald Trump or on her own. 
• Here are the images that defined her as first lady. 

Though she wasn't elected to the position, first lady Melania Trump is one of the most closely watched members of President Donald Trump's inner circle. 

Official photographers keep Trump in the public eye at home and abroad, here are some of her most defining photographs that have cemented her image into American culture:  

In her first moments as first lady, Trump made a striking appearance at President Donald Trump's inauguration ceremony, keeping warm in a powder-blue Ralph Lauren coat that drew comparisons to former first lady Jackie Kennedy.

Source: Reuters

After moving into the White House in June 2017, the first lady became a more regular fixture by the president's side.

The first lady also quickly became a divisive figure, first drawing criticism when she displayed her penchant for pumps while on the way to survey damage from Hurricane Harvey in August 2017.