At the 2025 Commander-in-Chief Ball, Melania Trump danced with U.S. Army Sergeant Henry Waller in a moment that quickly went viral. Later that evening, at the Liberty Ball, lip-readers claimed to have captured an intriguing exchange between the First Lady and President Trump during their dance.
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 of three inaugural celebrations 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 J. D. 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.
Usha, the Vice President’s wife, 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.
