The first lady received some flak on Twitter for her outfit, which evoked Africa's colonial past.
Pith helmets, like the one Mrs. Trump wore on safari, were often worn by the imperialists who divided the continent up amongst themselves at the turn of the century, putting most Africans under European rule.
Many on social media commented that the outfit was less than appropriate for the occasion.
Source: AP
Melania: What should I wear on my Africa trip to pay tribute to the culture and history of my hosts?
WH staff: A pith helmet. Definitely a pith helmet. https://t.co/JSmNkWM2RF
— Owen Barder (@owenbarder)
October 5, 2018
Oh my goodness I thought she would stop at belted khaki but FLOTUS actually brought a pith helmet on her Africa jaunt. #IReallyDontCareDoU https://t.co/9QlbKIK6Oe
— Ruth Maclean (@ruthmaclean)
October 5, 2018
Melania has dressed like she's in "Out of Africa." Full colonial. Sends a message: I am both stupid and insensitive.
— Marj Wakefield (@MarjWakefield)
October 5, 2018