Fox News panel clashes over ‘most attractive first lady ever’ as surprising winner revealed
WASHINGTON, DC: A lighthearted but controversial exchange unfolded on Fox News’ 'The Five' on Wednesday when co-hosts Jesse Watters and Brian Kilmeade sparred over which US first lady could be considered “the most attractive ever.”
The discussion was prompted by a report claiming a Vanity Fair editor had threatened to resign and take half the staff with her if first lady Melania Trump were featured on the magazine’s cover.
Watters: Was Jill on the cover? Was Michelle Obama on the cover? Do you think they are prettier than Melania? Melania is also more fashionable.
— Acyn (@Acyn) August 27, 2025
Kilmeade: She is the most attractive First Lady ever pic.twitter.com/vfMG8j5CJK
Fox News hosts debate Melania Trump’s looks as ‘most attractive first lady ever’
Watters pressed the panel on whether previous first ladies had been featured on the cover of the magazine. “Was Jill (Biden) on the cover?” he asked, to which Kilmeade replied, “Twice, I think.” Watters followed up: “Was Michelle Obama on the cover?” Kilmeade answered, “Three times.”
The exchange then shifted to comparisons, with Watters bluntly asking: “Do you think those two women are prettier than Melania Trump?”
While co-host Lisa Kennedy tried to shut down the line of questioning repeatedly saying, “You’re not gonna answer that”
“No, do you think they’re prettier?” Watters pushed. “Is it not about pretty? Is it about fashion? Because Melania’s also more fashionable. She’s the most attractive first lady ever. Let’s be honest.”
Kilmeade countered with, “Martha Washington?” Jackie Kennedy was also name-dropped, with Watters pressing, “What’s my point? What’s your point?!” as the two continued their back-and-forth.
Brian Kilmeade to Melania Trump: "One thing that stood out for us is here you are this beautiful international model and you're the First Lady ... you're not on the cover of any of these magazines! Do you think that will change?" pic.twitter.com/L9js2xMt4A
— Aaron Rupar (@atrupar) December 6, 2024
Melania last graced the cover of Vogue in 2005. Asked in December on 'Fox & Friends' about her absence from magazine covers, she told Brian Kilmeade that it didn’t concern her, noting there are “so many other important things to do.”
Former Democratic Rep Harold Ford Jr pushes back
Former Democratic Rep Harold Ford Jr, also on the panel, criticized the conversation as dismissive of Melania Trump’s substantive work as first lady.
“You guys were so wrong,” Ford said. “She is an attractive woman, but she should not be on the cover because she’s attractive. She clearly is a very thoughtful and smart person.”
Ford highlighted that Melania has been engaged in initiatives around artificial intelligence, mental health, and children’s issues during her husband’s presidency. “Whether you agree with her husband or not, I’d love to hear that or read about that,” he argued, noting that her visibility is often overshadowed by her image.
He concluded, “You guys were joking, I know, but she’s a serious person who’s doing equally serious things in this second term here.”
