Inauguration Day brought a break from tradition when Melania Trump did not present a ceremonial gift to outgoing first lady Jill Biden at the White House steps.

On the occasion of Donald Trump assuming office as the 47th president of the United States, the Trumps and the Bidens met at the White House, with Melania Trump choosing not to give a gift to Mrs. Biden in an act that diverged from the precedent set in 2017, as the Daily Mail reports.

The scene unfolded on Monday morning, a day significant for its presidential transition rituals. As the tradition has it, the incoming and outgoing first families meet at the White House, often exchanging gifts before proceeding with the formalities of the inauguration.

Melania Trump Moves Away from Custom

In 2017, Melania Trump presented Michelle Obama with a blue Tiffany & Co. box containing a picture frame. This gesture, although perhaps slightly awkward in execution, followed a practice that many had come to expect during these ceremonial exchanges.

However, this year, Melania arrived empty-handed. Her greeting of Jill Biden lacked a tangible gesture, departing from what some saw as an established, albeit unofficial, protocol.

First lady Jill Biden greeted the incoming first family warmly at the White House's entrance, with her husband offering a simple "welcome home." The meeting set a tone of cordiality despite the departure from gift-giving traditions.

Fashion Shades Politics in Inauguration Meeting

The two first ladies showcased their individual styles with chic ensemble choices. Melania Trump donned a striking monochrome navy blue coat designed by Adam Lippes, complemented by Manolo Blahnik heels and a navy hat with distinct white trim by Eric Javits.

Equally sartorially noteworthy, Jill Biden wore a tie-waist purple coat. Their fashion statements added flair to the otherwise highly formal meeting on the White House steps.

Following their meeting, the families convened for a scheduled coffee and tea inside the official residence. This is a ritual that combines the ceremonial with the convivial, allowing for a brief retreat before the rigorous pace of inauguration events.

Trump Sworn in as President

Former President Joe Biden departed the White House for the last time after the meeting with the Trumps. At noon, Donald Trump took the oath of office, closing the chapter on Biden's presidency.

Before stepping down, Biden appeared reflective and optimistic. Expressing feelings of "joy" and "hope," he conveyed a message consistent with the themes he attempted to embrace throughout his time in office.

In a traditional gesture, Biden confirmed that he left a personal letter in the Oval Office for his successor. He maintained the contents of this letter as private, adding an air of mystery to the transfer of power.

Michelle Obama Gift Episode Recalled

The lack of a gift from Melania Trump sparked memories of the 2017 exchange between her and Michelle Obama. At that time, Obama accepted the gift, later revealing in interviews the unexpected nature of the encounter.

Those recollections include snippets such as, "You brought a gift!" followed by a quick resolution from Obama to manage protocol intricacies, setting a standard for future exchanges that seemed anticipated if not necessarily obligatory.

The gesture of exchanging gifts at such transitional moments, though not mandated, carries symbolic weight in its demonstration of goodwill and respect between administrations.

Significance of Gift's Absence, Explored

The choice not to present a gift offers insights into changing presidential decorum and individual interpretations of inaugural propriety. Some view it simply as a deviation from an optional custom.

Such norms, while perhaps part of the softer aspects of politics, are often observed with keen interest and lend themselves to broader discussions about the interactions between political figures and their predecessors.

The intersection of formality, personal style, and tradition continues to evolve with each administration, providing fresh narratives with each transition of power.

This year's events underscore that even in settings rich with established tradition, change can come in subtle form -- shaped by individual sensibilities and the unique moments they signify.