Melania Trump's appearance at Pope Francis' funeral sparks body double rumors: 'This is definitely faux'

People on social media suggested that the person at Pope Francis' funeral looked nothing like Melania Trump, sparking renewed body double rumors
UPDATED APR 27, 2025
President Donald Trump and first lady Melania Trump during the funeral of Pope Francis in St Peter’s Square on April 26, 2025, in Vatican City (Getty Images)
President Donald Trump and first lady Melania Trump during the funeral of Pope Francis in St Peter’s Square on April 26, 2025, in Vatican City (Getty Images)

VATICAN CITY: As global leaders gathered to pay their respects to Pope Francis at his funeral in Vatican City, a fresh wave of conspiracy theories emerged surrounding Melania Trump’s appearance at the solemn event.

The first lady was seen attending the service with her husband, President Donald Trump, but many social media users were quick to speculate that the woman seen alongside him was not Melania, but a body double, the Irish Star reported



 

Melania Trump's body double rumors resurface at Pope Francis' funeral

Wearing a black blazer dress paired with a black veil, Melania Trump appeared somber and dignified as she stood beside her husband, Donald Trump, at the memorial.

However, several commentators on social media were quick to point out discrepancies in her appearance, suggesting that the person at the funeral looked nothing like Melania, sparking renewed body double rumors.

US President Donald Trump and US First Lady Melania Trump arrive at the funeral of Pope Francis in St. Peter’s Square on April 26, 2025 in Vatican City, Vatican. Pope Francis died on April 21st at the age of 88. Born in Argentina as Jorge Mario Bergoglio, he was the first Latin American and the first Jesuit to become Pope when elected in 2013. Taking the name Francis after St Francis of Assisi, he promoted a more humble version of the papacy than many of his predecessors. He will be buried outside of the Vatican in a simple wooden coffin at the Basilica Santa Maria Maggiore. (Photo by Dan Kitwood/Getty Images)
President Donald Trump and first lady Melania Trump arrive at the funeral of Pope Francis in St. Peter’s Square on April 26, 2025, in Vatican City (Dan Kitwood/Getty Images)

The body double conspiracy theory gained momentum earlier in the day, when Donald and Melania were spotted arriving in Rome.

ROME, ITALY - APRIL 25: U.S. President Donald Trump and first lady Melania Trump upon arrival at Fiumicino Airport on April 25, 2025 in Rome, Italy. Pope Francis died on Easter Monday, aged 88. His Funeral will be held in St Peter's Square in the Vatican tomorrow morning. (Photo by Marco Mantovani/Getty Images)
President Donald Trump and first lady Melania Trump upon arrival at Fiumicino Airport on April 25, 2025, in Rome, Italy (Marco Mantovani/Getty Images)

In the hours before the funeral, Melania was photographed wearing a trench coat and sunglasses, prompting many online observers to question whether this was indeed the first lady or a stand-in.

WASHINGTON, DC - APRIL 25: U.S. President Donald Trump and first lady Melania Trump depart the White House on April 25, 2025 in Washington, DC. President Trump and the first lady are traveling to Rome to attend the funeral of Pope Francis. (Photo by Kevin Dietsch/Getty Images)
President Donald Trump and first lady Melania Trump depart the White House on April 25, 2025, in Washington, DC (Kevin Dietsch/Getty Images)

Despite the controversy, the funeral itself went ahead with prominent figures from around the world, including Prince William, who attended in place of his father, King Charles, due to health concerns. The service took place in St Peter’s Square, drawing international dignitaries to honor the late pope.

Internet theories about Melania Trump's body double rumors after her appearance at Pope Francis' funeral

 US President Donald Trump and US First Lady Melania Trump during the funeral of Pope Francis in St. Peter’s Square on April 26, 2025 in Vatican City, Vatican. Pope Francis died on April 21st at the age of 88. Born in Argentina as Jorge Mario Bergoglio, he was the first Latin American and the first Jesuit to become Pope when elected in 2013. Taking the name Francis after St Francis of Assisi, he promoted a more humble version of the papacy than many of his predecessors. He will be buried outside of the Vatican in a simple wooden coffin at the Basilica Santa Maria Maggiore. (Photo by Antonio Masiello/Getty Images)
President Donald Trump and first lady Melania Trump during the funeral of Pope Francis in St Peter’s Square on April 26, 2025, in Vatican City (Antonio Masiello/Getty Images)

Melania Trump’s appearance at the funeral of Pope Francis has led to a swirl of online theories, with some users claiming that the woman seen at the event may not be the first lady at all. Conspiracy theories about a body double have surfaced, drawing attention to perceived differences in her appearance.

One user wrote, “This is definitely Faux Melania!! She does not look like this...” Another added, “Trump's got a fake Melania and it's OBVIOUS this time. Look at the shape of her face. Her chin is wrong and her forehead.”



 



 

“I believe the Secret Service uses body doubles as part of their protection efforts. Trump, however, seems to use them whenever Melania doesn’t want to make an appearance. Below is the woman he left the WH with, now look at any photo from the funeral—this is not the same person,” one wrote.



 

Other users pointed out specific physical differences, claiming the individual at the funeral was someone else entirely. “No chance that's Melania. Different chin, different nose, different hair, different posture, pretty much everything,” one claimed.



 

Another commented, “Holy smokes!! Where is Melania?? No one's fooled by the body double beside Trump. This one is finally revealed as the fake Melania. Look at those un-sunglassed eyes: overly made up, not Melania's eyes or cheekbones.”



 

This article contains remarks made on the Internet by individual people and organizations. MEAWW cannot confirm them independently and does not support claims or opinions being made online.

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