Anna Wintour had noted that first ladies tend to "look like themselves" in their clothes, and Streep used that cue to bring the jacket back into the conversation. The $39 Zara piece was worn on the flight to McAllen and on the return, though Melania did not wear it while arriving at the New Hope Children’s Shelter, which housed about 55 separated children.
Initially a spokeswoman said it was "just a jacket" with "no hidden message." Months later Melania said the coat was directed at critics and the "left-wing media," telling ABC News she wore it to make a point and urging attention on her initiatives rather than her wardrobe.