Content Advisory: This article discusses political media coverage, criminal charges, and public criticism of on-air mistakes. Reader discretion is advised.
Fox News has had more than one awkward Melania Trump mix-up, and one old blunder is getting fresh attention.
Back in June 2023, anchor John Roberts mistakenly identified Donald Trump’s special assistant, Margo Martin, as Melania Trump during live coverage. The moment happened outside a Miami federal courthouse, where Trump had pleaded not guilty to 37 criminal charges tied to his handling of classified documents at Mar-a-Lago.
Roberts thought cameras had captured the first lady arriving. “We have some video that we want to play out here, Melania Trump entering the courthouse…” he told viewers.
That was not Melania. It was Martin.
Fox News Mistakes Margo Martin For Melania
Martin, now 30, was seen wearing dark sunglasses as she shielded her eyes. Roberts later corrected himself on air after realizing the woman was Trump’s aide, not his wife.
The clip has resurfaced because Martin recently accompanied Trump on his three-day trip to China. After the visit ended on May 15, she shared a video montage on Instagram showing Trump meeting Chinese President Xi Jinping and touring Beijing.
Martin often captures behind-the-scenes footage of Trump on her phone and posts it across social media. Her role also expanded after White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt went on maternity leave.
Trump has publicly praised Martin before, calling her “the most beautiful photographer in the world.” That line has only made the renewed attention around the mistaken identity moment more awkward.
Another Fox Host Confuses Lara Trump For Melania
The Margo Martin mistake was not the only recent Fox News Melania mix-up.
On May 13, Fox & Friends host Brian Kilmeade appeared to confuse Lara Trump with Melania during coverage of Trump’s arrival at Beijing Capital International Airport.
As Lara came down the plane steps with the delegation, Kilmeade said, “As the first lady comes down the stairs to greet the president, or join the president.” Ainsley Earhardt quietly corrected him, saying, “I think that’s Lara Trump.” Kilmeade then lowered his voice and said, “Probably interesting for her. Should have been the first lady.”
Melania had skipped the China trip, while Lara Trump joined the political delegation. Lara is married to Eric Trump, the president’s son.
Melania’s Absence Keeps Drawing Attention
Melania’s decision not to join Trump in China has continued to fuel chatter, especially because she was by his side during his 2017 visit.
This time, Trump traveled with political allies, family members, aides, and business figures. Martin’s presence stood out after Lara posted travel photos, while the resurfaced Fox News clip added another layer to the attention around her.
For Fox News, the repeated mix-ups made for an embarrassing pattern. For viewers, they turned into another round of jokes about who is actually standing next to Trump when Melania is nowhere in sight.
