During the 2017 Inaugural Ball, First Lady Melania Trump shared a special dance with Army Sergeant José Medina. As they moved across the stage, she reportedly expressed her gratitude and admiration for his service, saying, “Thank you for your service. It’s my honor to dance with you.”
Sergeant Medina, a decorated service member, later described the moment as surreal and an unforgettable honor. He recalled that Melania was warm, gracious, and genuinely appreciative of the sacrifices made by the military. Their dance was part of the “Salute to Our Armed Services” Ball, an event dedicated to honoring U.S. military personnel.
Melania Trump, dressed in an elegant off-the-shoulder white gown designed by Hervé Pierre, carried herself with poise. She maintained a composed yet kind demeanor, engaging in small talk with Medina. According to witnesses, she told him how much she and her husband, President Donald Trump, respected the dedication of service members.
Throughout the dance, she appeared to listen attentively as Medina responded humbly, thanking her for the opportunity. The moment symbolized the Trump administration’s commitment to honoring the military, a theme that remained prominent throughout Donald Trump’s presidency.
The event itself was attended by many high-ranking officials, military personnel, and supporters. As the band played “I Will Always Love You”, the two swayed gracefully. Spectators noticed Melania’s reserved elegance, while Medina maintained a professional yet touched expression.
After the dance, Medina later shared in an interview that he was chosen as a representative of all service members and felt deeply privileged. He expressed that the First Lady’s kind words and warm presence left a lasting impression on him.
