The US Army sergeant who shared a dance with First Lady Melania Trump during the Commander-in-Chief Ball on Monday has revealed the heartfelt exchange that took place between them. The ball, a key event marking the beginning of Donald Trump’s second term as president, was an evening filled with tradition, celebration, and viral moments that captured the world’s attention.
The event saw the president and vice president join members of the military on the dance floor, creating a powerful symbol of unity and patriotism. Donald Trump danced with Sergeant Tatiana Saldana of the United States Space Force, while Vice President JD Vance and his wife, Usha, shared dances with representatives from the Marine Corps and Navy. Melania Trump, however, took to the floor with Sergeant Henry Waller, and their graceful performance quickly became a topic of social media buzz.
Clips of Melania and Waller waltzing were shared far and wide, with viewers captivated by their poise and the visible warmth between them. However, the moment that truly ignited curiosity was when Melania leaned in to whisper something to Waller mid-dance. Speculation ran rampant, and fans eagerly awaited answers.
Sergeant Waller didn’t keep people guessing for long. In an exclusive interview with Inside Edition, he shared his perspective on the once-in-a-lifetime experience and revealed the brief but touching exchange that occurred during their dance.
“I walked out on stage, trying to keep my composure,” Waller admitted. “But we were told it wasn’t strictly ceremonial composure—we could smile if we wanted to.”
He described the experience as “overwhelming with joy,” particularly as the audience erupted in cheers for him and his fellow service members. “It was a moment unlike any other,” Waller reflected.
When asked what the First Lady had whispered to him, Waller explained, “I asked her how her night was going, and she said it was going well. Then she asked how mine was, and I told her, ‘It was fantastic.’”
As for her dancing skills, Waller didn’t hold back his praise: “Oh, yeah, she’s a really good dancer.”
The Commander-in-Chief Ball offered more than just a memorable dance floor moment—it underscored the Trumps’ return to the White House and set the tone for what promises to be another eventful term.
The first lady’s presence at the ball also reignited discussions about her role and visibility in Trump’s second administration. Although Donald Trump secured a sweeping electoral victory, rumors have circulated for years about Melania’s feelings toward life in the White House. Reports suggested that Melania, now 54, had mixed emotions about returning to Washington, especially after stepping out of the spotlight during her husband’s legal battles and renegotiating her prenuptial agreement in 2023.
"It was fantastic—she's a really good dancer,” said Sergeant Henry Waller, who danced with Melania Trump at the Commander-in-Chief's Ball on the night of the inauguration. All eyes were on the soldier as he stepped in to dance with the First Lady, giving her a twirl. pic.twitter.com/PmHVU9D06s
— 𝕍𝕚𝕠𝕝𝕒 𝕃𝕖𝕚𝕘𝕙 𝔹𝕝𝕦𝕖𝕤 (@ViolaLeighBlues) January 23, 2025
