The Commander-in-Chief Ball was one of three inaugural events celebrating Donald Trump’s second term as president. With a military theme honoring members of the U.S. Armed Forces, the ball featured performances, speeches, and moments of connection between national leaders and service members.

A standout moment of the evening was when First Lady Melania Trump danced with U.S. Army Sergeant Henry Waller. Their warm exchange and graceful waltz were captured on camera and quickly spread on social media.

The Commander-in-Chief Ball: Honoring the Military

Held at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center, the Commander-in-Chief Ball was the first inaugural celebration for President Trump’s 2025 inauguration.

This event paid tribute to the men and women of the U.S. Armed Forces and included formal dances. However, it was as much a showcase of elegance as it was a celebration of military service.

The First Lady dazzled in a strapless white satin gown, which featured a high slit and black geometric detailing along the front. The President complemented her look with a classic black tuxedo and bow tie.

Vice President JD Vance and his wife, Usha, also made a striking appearance. Usha opted for a strapless blue sequined gown, while the Vice President was dressed in a traditional black tuxedo.

While the fashion and elegance stood out, footage of the ball quickly became a viral sensation.

Viral Footage Sparks Curiosity

Footage from the Commander-in-Chief Ball quickly made its way across social media and international news outlets, showcasing key moments from the evening.

Among the clips that gained the most attention was the waltz between First Lady Melania and U.S. Army Sergeant Henry Waller. Their warm interaction on stage, coupled with their brief exchange, left many viewers intrigued.

The video captured the pair smiling as they danced under the spotlight, with Melania leaning in to speak to Waller at one point. The sergeant later recounted their conversation.

Reflecting on the moment, Waller admitted he was nervous at first but felt at ease after learning the event wasn’t overly formal. “We could smile and enjoy ourselves, which helped me relax,” he explained.

During their brief conversation, Waller asked Melania how her evening was going, to which she replied that it was going well. She then asked Waller the same question, and he enthusiastically responded that his night had been “fantastic.”

Waller went on to praise the First Lady’s dancing skills, saying, “Oh, she’s a really good dancer.” He also humorously revealed that his only practice for the waltz had been with his wife back home.

Other onstage pairings also drew attention. President Trump danced with U.S. Space Force Sergeant Tatiana Saldana, while Vice President Vance took to the dance floor with Marine Corps Sergeant Lexis Martinez and Usha partnered with Navy officer Emmanuel.

Martinez later admitted that she was nervous, saying, “I’ve never done anything like that before.”

She added with a laugh that the Vice President was “better than me,” since her nerves made her feel like she had “two left feet.”

After their appearance at the Commander-in-Chief Ball, the First Couple continued the evening’s festivities at the Liberty Ball, where another notable exchange took place.

From the Commander-in-Chief Ball to the Liberty Ball

Following the Commander-in-Chief Ball, President Trump and First Lady Melania made their way to the Liberty Ball, the second event in a night filled with inaugural celebrations.

The couple took to the dance floor once again, this time performing to the tune of “The Battle Hymn of the Republic.” At the Liberty Ball, lip-reading expert Jeremy Freeman analyzed the exchange between Melania and Donald Trump during their dance.

According to Freeman, Melania reportedly told her husband, “Today is one we will never forget,” to which Donald replied, “You’re right, I’ll learn, I’ll fight.”

Melania then added, “I got you,” and Trump responded with, “Well see. Will you control it? Less tricky, less pushing away?” The First Lady reportedly concluded the conversation with, “It’s a no,” as Trump said, “I hear you.”

Together, the Commander-in-Chief Ball, Liberty Ball, and other inaugural events marked the beginning of a new presidential term while celebrating the nation’s values and the individuals who serve it./By Milly Wanjiku Ndirangu