Photos from the first couple’s visit to Texas have sparked fresh speculation online, not about the tragedy they came to address, but about the 55-year-old first lady’s strikingly different appearance.

Melania Trump’s public appearance alongside Donald Trump in Texas has ignited a wave of online speculation, with several social media followers questioning whether it was truly her.

A netizen’s comment on Melania Trump, dated July 12, 2025 | Source: X/gzoinna

On July 11, 2025, Melania joined her husband in Kerrville, Texas, at the Hill Country Youth Event Center. The couple participated in a roundtable event to address the deadly flash flooding that occurred the week before, which claimed the lives of 120 people across several cities and communities along the Guadalupe River.

Later that day, they were seen walking hand in hand across the tarmac at Lackland Air Force Base in San Antonio after meeting with local leaders, first responders, and victims of the disaster.

President Donald Trump and first lady Melania Trump walk across the tarmac at Lackland Air Force Base on July 11, 2025, in San Antonio, Texas | Source: Getty Images

In both locations, the FLOTUS was seen in a khaki military-style jacket with metallic buttons over a dark green shirt, olive pants, and a black baseball cap that covered much of her face. She also wore light makeup and pale pink lipstick. Her hair, styled straight and loose, appeared noticeably blonde in the bright sunlight.

President Donald Trump and first lady Melania Trump are seen at Lackland Air Force Base on July 11, 2025, in San Antonio, Texas | Source: Getty Images

The White House shared video footage of the couple’s visit on YouTube on July 12, 2025. The video, captioned, “Amid heartbreak and loss, President Donald J. Trump and First Lady Melania Trump stood shoulder to shoulder with the people of Texas—offering love, comfort, and the strength of a nation that never leaves its own behind,” was intended to highlight their show of support during the crisis.

However, online reactions quickly shifted from the humanitarian nature of the trip to Melania’s appearance. Numerous netizens questioned whether the woman accompanying the POTUS was actually his wife.

One Facebook commenter wrote, “Not Melania.” Another questioned, “Are you absolutely sure that is Melania?” A third person said, “That does not look anything like Melania—sure it’s her stand in.”

U.S. first lady Melania Trump shows a bracelet she said she was given as a memento to the girls killed in last week’s flash flooding during a roundtable meeting at the Hill Country Youth Event Center on July 11, 2025, in Kerrville, Texas | Source: Getty Images

Another netizen added, “Wow her hair appears to be blonde,” while a different commenter stated, “Glad to see he could make it and I doubt that’s his wife!”

Similar remarks surfaced on X. One commenter asked, “Did Trump take Melania’s body double to the Texas disaster area?” Another remarked, “Our First Lady Melania has such a warm smile and love for people.” Yet another commenter divulged, “When did Melania get frumpy!?! This is a bad double!”

First lady Melania Trump participates in a round table event with at the Hill Country Youth Event Center to discuss last week’s flash flooding on July 11, 2025, in Kerrville, Texas. | Source: Getty Images

Melania’s appearance alongside her husband during their visit to Texas shifted public focus online, with some questioning her identity based on visual differences.

The renewed scrutiny comes just weeks after a body language expert analyzed the couple’s interactions during the 250th Birthday of the U.S. Army Grand Military Parade on June 14, suggesting a strained dynamic between them based on both verbal and nonverbal cues.

Donald and Melania Trump attend the US Army’s 250th anniversary parade in Washington, DC on June 14, 2025 | Source: Getty Images

Judi James, the body language expert, observed that Melania’s gestures hinted at underlying “tension,” pointing to small movements like adjusting her hair or subtle hand motions that may reflect inner unease.

However, her demeanor shifted when interacting with her husband, as she appeared more engaged and responsive. The couple also shared a rare public moment of affection when she briefly held his hand at the start of the event.

Donald and Melania Trump attend the US Army’s 250th Anniversary Parade in Washington, DC on June 14, 2025 | Source: Getty Images

The expert pointed out that Melania appeared more rigid than her husband, at times resembling the formal stance of the military figure standing on his other side.

Donald and Melania Trump stand together as he is given an American flag by a member of the US Army parachute team at the end of the US Army parade in Washington, DC, on June 14, 2025 | Source: Getty Images

Meanwhile, nationwide “No Kings” rallies protesting the parade and Donald’s use of the National Guard drew more attention than the event itself. The expert also suggested that the president may have been subtly minimizing his presence during the parade in response to criticism portraying him as a king or dictator.

Donald Trump along with others gather on stage to watch the US Army’s 250th anniversary parade on June 14, 2025 | Source: Getty Images

Judi explained, “His jacket is unbuttoned which looks decidedly casual as he stands between a military audience and his air-fist ritual as he walks on looks like a tempered version of a victory salute to the crowds.”

Donald Trump watches the military parade along with Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth and Melania Trump in Washington, DC, on June 14, 2025 | Source: Getty Images

The expert interpreted the president’s choice to wear his usual suit as a deliberate attempt to set himself apart from the military personnel around him. Donald intentionally maintaining a distinction between himself and the military personnel suggested that he showed up to honor them rather than to blend in with their ranks.

Donald and Melania Trump head to the stage during the US Army’s 250th anniversary parade on June 14, 2025 | Source: Getty Images

His relaxed posture while seated also gave the impression of a routine day at the office rather than a formal public spectacle. In contrast, Judi observed that the first lady chose a more formal look, wearing a cream, double-breasted, tailored power suit that conveyed a polished and commanding presence.

Donald Trump in Washington, DC, on June 14, 2025 | Source: Getty Images

“While Melania performs a wide, Duchenne smile, his smile is the lip-clamped, acknowledging version and his posture slumps as he rests his elbows on his thighs and splays his knees with his hands forming a downward steeple gesture,” added Judi.

Donald Trump speaks next to Melania Trump after the US Army’s 250th anniversary parade, on June 14, 2025 | Source: Getty Images

As the parade progressed, the expert noted that the president’s enthusiasm appeared to grow. He stood in a fixed salute for extended periods and added a low air-punch with his left hand, an apparent attempt to show both respect and a more personal connection with the troops.

Donald Trump salutes as members of the US Army participate in their 250th aniversary parade in Washington, DC | Source: Getty Images

In addition to the body language analysis, a lip-reading expert, Nicola Hickling, also offered insight into a light-hearted moment between the Trumps during the parade. As they watched the troops march by, Melania reportedly told her husband, “They’re good,” in praise of the performance.

Donald and Melania Trump in Washington, DC on June 14, 2025 | Source: Getty Images

In response, he joked, “I pushed my finger on one of them,” according Nicole. Melania Trump playfully corrected him, “You didn’t do that.” The moment, while seemingly a rebuttal, was not tense but rather a brief exchange of humor.

Donald Trump salutes next to Melania Trump during the US Army’s 250th anniversary parade | Source: Getty Images

The couple also shared a few gentle gestures, including touches to her knee, suggesting that at some point, they were relaxed and enjoying each other’s company during the celebration, which marked both Donald Trump’s 79th birthday and the 250th anniversary of the U.S. Army.

Donald and Melania Trump along with others gather on stage to watch the US Army’s 250th anniversary parade on June 14, 2025 | Source: Getty Images

The event featured a grand parade that capped off a day of celebrations honoring the U.S. Army’s legacy and the service of those who have defended the nation with courage and dedication. The festivities also looked ahead, marking a commitment to the next 250 years of military service and national pride.

Daniel Driscoll, secretary of the Army, left, Pete Hegseth, Secretary of defense, Donald, and Melania Trump watch the US Army’s 250th anniversary parade | Source: Getty Images

In his speech, Donald pledged, “Tonight, we affirm with unwavering certainty that in the years ahead, and in every generation hence, whenever duty calls and whatever danger comes, the American soldier will be there.”

Donald and Melania Trump stand together at the end of the US Army parade | Source: Getty Images

The president spoke of the unwavering determination of American soldiers, describing their readiness to face danger head-on, overcome every obstacle, and emerge victorious — driven by both divine favor and the steadfast resolve of the U.S. Army.

Donald Trump is given an American flag by a member of the US Army parachute team | Source: Getty Images

Melania and her husband have often drawn attention during public appearances, and the June 14 parade was no exception.