A picture of the First Lady sitting alone on a sofa in a green coat has been repeatedly edited by social media users. The White House shared the photo on their official Twitter page with the comment “Happy Birthday FLOTUS!” The picture of Melania Trump has come under fire for not being a typical happy photo to mark a celebration.
While another added: “Who picked this disaster photo? Are you serious?”
A third said: “I don’t understand why the White House would post such a sad, lonely photo of Melania for her birthday.”
Social media users were quick to poke fun and edit people on to the empty sofa.
Russian leader Vladimir Putin was edited to appear very close with the First Lady while Kellyanne Conway was made to look like she was fixing her hair.
The photo has also been criticised by body language expert and author Patti Wood.
Ms Wood told Refinery49: “From what I’ve read, this was the White House’s selection.
“That’s the most interesting thing because she’s communicating to the world that she’s all by herself on her birthday.”
“That’s the most dramatic aspect of this whole story.”